Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation, stating it could destabilise the volatile Horn of Africa region.
During a visit to Ethiopia, Erdogan emphasized that regional countries should resolve their own problems, rather than relying on foreign forces.
Erdogan’s comments come after Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago.
Somalia views Somaliland as part of its territory, and the recognition has sparked tensions between Somalia and Israel.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Turkey to support Ethiopia’s quest for sea access, citing the country’s need for a coastline. Eritrea’s secession in 1993 left Ethiopia landlocked, and Abiy has been pushing for ownership of Eritrea’s southern port of Assab.
The situation is further complicated by fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which borders Eritrea.
