Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has condemned Israel’s decision to recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, calling it illegal and a dangerous move that risks destabilising the Horn of Africa. Speaking alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Istanbul, Erdoğan said Ankara firmly rejects the recognition. Mohamud thanked international partners, including Turkey, for backing Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel’s move, announced on December 26, makes it the first country to formally recognise Somaliland and has heightened diplomatic tensions in the region.