By HAN News Desk
ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday described any recognition of Somaliland as illegal and reaffirmed Türkiye’s firm support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, standing alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Speaking at a joint appearance with the Somali leader, Erdoğan said Ankara considers Somalia a single, sovereign state and rejects any unilateral steps that could undermine its territorial integrity.
“Recognition of Somaliland is illegal. We stand with Somalia,” Erdoğan said. “Defending the unity of Somalia is a firm and principled decision of Türkiye.”
Erdoğan added that an announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the recognition of Somaliland would have no legal or political effect and would not alter the internationally recognized status of Somalia.
“The recognition announced by Netanyahu will not work and will not change the reality on the ground regarding the unity of Somali territory,” Erdoğan said.
The Turkish president stressed that Türkiye’s position is rooted in international law and long-standing principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. He said Ankara will continue to support Somalia in international forums and bilateral relations.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Erdoğan’s remarks, describing Türkiye as a key ally that has consistently supported Somalia’s unity, state-building efforts and security over the past decade.
Türkiye has been one of Somalia’s closest partners since 2011, providing humanitarian aid, development assistance, military training and diplomatic backing. Ankara maintains a large embassy in Mogadishu and operates its biggest overseas military training base in Somalia.
Erdoğan’s comments come amid heightened diplomatic tensions surrounding Somalia’s territorial integrity, following reports and statements about possible foreign recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community.
The Somali federal government has repeatedly said any recognition of Somaliland violates international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Several countries, including members of the UN Security Council, have reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity in recent days.
Erdoğan said Türkiye will continue coordinating with Somalia and international partners to safeguard regional stability in the Horn of Africa, warning that attempts to fragment states could deepen instability and create new security risks.
“Somalia’s unity and sovereignty are essential not only for its people, but for the peace and stability of the entire region,” Erdoğa said.
