REPORTER:
Singing and dancing. A celebration of a historic moment for Somaliland. After declaring independence in 1991, the breakaway Somali territory has made its first diplomatic partner in the world — Israel. And Somaliland’s president is thanking Israel.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (SOMALILAND PRESIDENT):
I express my wholehearted appreciation to the State of Israel for its brave decision which reflects both historical continuity and confidence in Somaliland demonstrated commitment to peace, stability and responsible governance.
REPORTER:
Signing the document simultaneously in a video call with Somaliland’s president, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he looks forward to deepening economic ties with the new ally and hopes it will join US-brokered Middle East agreements against Iran with the help of US President Donald Trump.
Benjamin Netanyahu (ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER):
This is a wonderful day. It's a historic day. And of course, I will communicate to [US] President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accords.
REPORTER:
But speaking to the New York Post, Trump said he’s not ready to take that step. And neither is Somalia, whose president has called for an urgent parliamentary meeting and is accusing Netanyahu of threatening regional stability and Somalia’s sovereignty.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (SOMALI PRESIDENT):
We tell the world the infringement committed by Netanyahu and his attempt to divide the Federal Republic of Somalia endangers the peace and tranquility of the world and the region.
Somalia! Somalia! Somalia!
REPORTER:
In its capital, Mogadishu, anger is evident. For many Somalis, Somaliland is an inseparable part of their territory.
Omar Mahamud (MOGADISHU RESIDENT):
For Somaliland to be recognized is a great wound to us, and we do not accept it and will not accept it. Somalia belongs to itself; there is no such thing as something called Somaliland.
REPORTER:
Despite opposition in the Middle East, Somaliland and Israel’s friendship has some support here in Asia. Taiwan maintains economic ties with both Somaliland and Israel and has mutual representative offices in both places. And President Lai Ching-te met with Somaliland’s foreign minister in Taipei this July.
REPORTER:
Reacting to the news, Taiwan’s foreign ministry did not say if it will follow Israel’s lead, but that it does support the decision.
Jean Chen (DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON, TAIWAN FOREIGN MINISTRY):
Israel and Somaliland are like-minded democratic partners of Taiwan. They share values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Regarding Israel becoming the first country to officially recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty and strengthen collaborations, the ministry welcomes the move.
REPORTER:
So far, no other countries have signaled any support for Somaliland’s recognition, with Turkey, Iran and the EU criticizing Israel’s move. Whatever happens next, countries across the region will be bracing for what could be a major political shift.
Patrick Chen and Irene Lin for TaiwanPlus.
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