During a recent press conference in Ethiopia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed concerns regarding Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. He stated that this recognition does not benefit Somaliland or the broader Horn of Africa region. Erdogan's remarks, made alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his first visit to Ethiopia in nearly ten years, underscore the complexities of regional politics and the potential repercussions of foreign recognition.

Erdogan noted that Israel's recognition, made in December when it became the first UN member state to do so, has drawn significant criticism, particularly from Somalia, which views Somaliland as part of its territory. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, after a prolonged civil conflict, and has since managed to establish a relatively stable governance structure. However, the recognition by Israel is seen as a contentious step, capable of aggravating tensions in a region already marked by historical disputes.

The implications of this recognition extend beyond Somaliland itself, as Erdogan highlights that the decision may have adverse effects on stability in the Horn of Africa. By framing Israel's actions in a negative light, he aims to rally regional actors against foreign interventions that could destabilize existing political arrangements and provoke further conflicts. This situation not only reflects the intricate web of international diplomacy but also indicates Turkey's active role in regional matters and its support for a unified stance concerning territorial integrity in East Africa.