By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday sharply criticized Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, warning that the move would neither benefit Somaliland nor the wider Horn of Africa and could deepen geopolitical rivalries in an already fragile region.
Speaking at a joint appearance with Ethiopian officials in Addis Ababa, Erdogan said he had first condemned the decision in December, describing it as “illegal and unacceptable.” He accused Israel of pursuing policies that risk inflaming tensions and undermining regional stability.
“We believe that the region’s problems should be resolved by the countries of the region themselves, and that the Horn of Africa should not be turned into an arena of struggle for foreign powers,” Erdogan said. “Israel’s recognition of Somaliland does not serve the interests of Somaliland or the Horn of Africa.”
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. It has maintained its own administration, security forces and currency, but it is not widely recognized internationally. Somalia considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory and has repeatedly opposed any moves toward international recognition.
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, saying Ankara does not seek to create new conflicts in the region. He urged Horn of Africa countries to resolve disputes through dialogue and regional mechanisms, warning that external involvement could escalate competition among global and regional powers.
Israel has not publicly responded to Erdogan’s latest remarks.
Turkey has significantly expanded its presence in Africa over the past decade, combining diplomatic outreach, development assistance and security cooperation. In Somalia, Turkey operates its largest overseas military base, where it trains Somali security forces, and maintains strong economic ties, including infrastructure projects in Mogadishu. Ankara also has deepening trade and diplomatic relations with Ethiopia, positioning itself as a key regional partner.
The controversy comes amid shifting alliances in the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s federal government recently suspended agreements with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of backing Israel’s recognition decision. Mogadishu has also signed a defense cooperation pact with Qatar, while Turkey has deployed fighter jets to its military facility in Somalia in what officials described as a demonstration of support for federal authorities.
Analysts say the developments underscore intensifying geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa, a strategically important region along key maritime trade routes linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The region continues to face armed conflict, economic instability and climate-related challenges, making it particularly vulnerable to diplomatic rifts and proxy rivalries.
Erdogan said Turkey would continue to engage with regional governments to promote dialogue and stability, adding that lasting security must be built through cooperation rather than confrontation.
