ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates has notably refrained from joining ajoint statement signed by 21 mostly Muslim countries condemning Israel’srecent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, highlighting theGulf nation’s intricate balancing act between its Abraham Accordscommitments and longstanding investments in the breakaway region. Thisdevelopment comes as Israel became the first UN member to formallyrecognise Somaliland on December 26, 2025, prompting widespread regionalbacklash.
The Arab League convened an extraordinary session of permanentrepresentatives on December 28, chaired by UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid AlZaabi, where it strongly condemned Israel’s action as a violation ofinternational law and an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty andterritorial integrity. The council affirmed full solidarity with Somalia,rejecting any measures undermining its unity in line with the Arab Leagueand United Nations charters.
However, in a separate joint statement issued by 21 countries includingEgypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, and the Palestinian Authority,the UAE, along with fellow Abraham Accords signatories Bahrain and Morocco,conspicuously did not participate. Analysts attribute this abstention tothe UAE’s deep economic and strategic interests in Somaliland, including amajor military base and port operations in Berbera.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recognition as inthe spirit of the Abraham Accords, pledging cooperation in agriculture,health, technology, and economy. Somaliland’s President Abdirahman MohamedAbdullahi hailed it as a historic breakthrough after decades of seekinginternational acknowledgment since declaring independence in 1991.
Somalia’s government swiftly denounced the move as an unlawful attack onits sovereignty, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vowing to defendnational unity. The African Union also rejected the recognition, warning ofdangerous precedents for continental stability and reaffirming Somalilandas integral to Somalia.
The UAE’s position underscores its pragmatic foreign policy, maintainingrobust ties with Israel post-normalisation while preserving significantinfluence in the Horn of Africa. Reports indicate the Emirates has mediatedpotential Israeli military engagements in Somaliland, further complicatingits stance within Arab forums.
Regional experts note that while the Arab League as an institutioncondemned the recognition under UAE chairmanship, the absence from themulti-nation joint statement reflects divisions among Abraham Accordsparticipants. This abstention avoids direct confrontation with Israel, akey security partner.
Read Top Stories
Broader implications include heightened tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf ofAden, where Somaliland’s strategic location plays a pivotal role. Concernshave also arisen over links to alleged plans for Palestinian relocation,firmly rejected in condemnatory statements.
As diplomatic repercussions unfold, the UAE’s nuanced approach may preserveits leverage in Somaliland without alienating broader Arab consensus onSomali unity. Observers watch for potential shifts as more nations weighresponses to this unprecedented diplomatic shift.
Source:https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblogentry/21-mostly-muslim-countries-sign-statement-condemning-israels-recognition-of-somaliland-abraham-accords-nations-abstain/
Tags: United Arab Emirates, Somaliland, Israel, Arab League
ogimage_image-name