Hundreds in Somalia protest Israel's recognition of Somaliland
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Somalia National News Agency photo.
Mogadishu/Somalia: Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Somalia's capital to protest Israel's recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, waving Somali flags and chanting patriotic songs in a show of national unity, the Associated Press reported.
The protest on Thursday night took place at Taleh Square in downtown Mogadishu, where the crowds condemned Israel's move as a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity in the East African country. Demonstrators carried placards rejecting what they described as foreign interference in Somalia's internal affairs.
The rally came two weeks after Israel announced that it recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation — and two days after Israel's foreign minister visited Hargeisa, the Somaliland capital. On his visit, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel would soon open an embassy and appoint an ambassador.
Thursday night's demonstration was the third such event since Israel recognised Somaliland on December 26.
“We are protesting against the division of our country,” demonstrator Said Gedi said. “This is against the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Somalia, and we hope Somalia will stand united.” Another protester, Abdirahman Abdulkadir, said that the demonstration was meant to send a message of unity.
“Somalia cannot be divided,” he said. “We are united by one religion, one culture and the same heritage.” The demonstration coincided with a televised address by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who strongly rejected Israel's decision and urged dialogue between Somaliland's leaders and the federal government in Mogadishu.
“I want to make it clear once again that the Republic of Somalia is a sovereign and united country,” Mohamud said. “Its territory cannot be divided or ceded by any letter written by Israel or signed by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu.”
Mohamud warned that the dispute could undermine Somalia's political stability, economic recovery and development if not handled carefully. He urged Somaliland's leadership to aim for talks, saying successful secessions elsewhere usually happened through political agreements.