Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has sharply criticized Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, the self-declared independent republic in the Horn of Africa, arguing the move will destabilize the region and benefit no one. The rebuke, delivered during an official visit to Ethiopia, underscores Turkey’s growing role as a key geopolitical player in the Horn and its commitment to maintaining regional stability.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa on , Erdoğan stated that the recognition would prove “dangerous for a volatile region.” He emphasized the importance of regional actors resolving their own issues, stating, “We believe that countries of the region should address their problems by themselves.” The comments reflect a broader Turkish policy of non-interference and a preference for dialogue in resolving African conflicts.
Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland in December, a move that angered Somalia, which views Somaliland as a breakaway region and an integral part of its territory. Somaliland declared its independence in , following the collapse of Siad Barre’s government in Somalia, but has not gained international recognition until Israel’s recent decision.
The timing of Israel’s recognition and Erdoğan’s response are particularly significant given Turkey’s previous mediation efforts in the region. In , Erdoğan successfully mediated an end to a dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia over a proposed port deal. Ethiopia had sought to lease a coastline from Somaliland to establish a naval base and secure access to the sea, a move that triggered a strong reaction from Mogadishu and raised fears of wider conflict. That intervention demonstrated Turkey’s willingness to engage proactively in the Horn of Africa and its ability to de-escalate tensions.
Somaliland’s foreign ministry responded to Erdoğan’s criticism by urging Turkey to refrain from actions that could inflame regional tensions. The statement highlights Somaliland’s desire for international support and its frustration with what it perceives as a lack of recognition from key global actors. The republic has long sought diplomatic legitimacy and economic investment, and views Israel’s recognition as a potential catalyst for broader acceptance.
Ethiopia, landlocked since its formal separation from Eritrea in , has been a key focus of Turkey’s engagement in the region. During the press conference, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed used the opportunity to appeal for Turkish support in Ethiopia’s quest for sea access, arguing that the country’s landlocked status was “unjust.” This underscores the complex interplay of geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa, where access to ports and maritime routes is a critical strategic concern.
Erdoğan’s comments also come against the backdrop of increasing Israeli activity in Africa, raising concerns among some regional powers about a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape. Israel has been strengthening its ties with several African nations in recent years, seeking to expand its diplomatic and economic influence on the continent. Turkey, meanwhile, has been actively cultivating relationships with African countries through trade, investment, and security cooperation.
The Turkish president’s warning that the Horn of Africa “should not be the battlefield of foreign forces” reflects a broader concern about external interference in the region. The Horn of Africa is already grappling with a number of complex challenges, including conflict, drought, and political instability. The involvement of external actors, according to Erdoğan, risks exacerbating these problems and undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace and security.
Analysts suggest that Turkey’s opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is motivated by a combination of factors, including its close ties with Somalia, its commitment to regional stability, and its desire to maintain its own influence in the Horn of Africa. Turkey has invested heavily in Somalia in recent years, providing humanitarian aid, development assistance, and security training. It also views Somalia as a key partner in its broader strategy for promoting stability and countering extremism in the region.
The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland are still uncertain. However, Erdoğan’s strong criticism underscores the potential for increased geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa and the importance of careful diplomacy in managing regional tensions. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Israel’s move will contribute to greater stability or further complicate an already volatile situation.
