Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it a plot to split Somalia. Attaf made the comments on Monday during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
While discussing Israeli actions in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, he spoke briefly about the situation in Somalia. Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign power on December 26, 2025, making it the first country to do so.
Somalia rejected the move, arguing that Somaliland belongs to Somalia as a sovereign territory. Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 and has since had its own government and institutions.
The African Union has also rejected Israel’s recognition and reiterated its position in favor of Somalia’s unity and integrity. Algeria has always supported Somalia’s territorial integrity after the recognition. The dispute over the territory has since become a diplomatic issue in the Horn of Africa. The AU Assembly later called for the revocation of recognition and reiterated Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The dispute has coincided with increased ties between Israel and Somaliland. In June 2026, Somaliland’s defense minister said that Israel is training Somaliland’s police and military. He denied that talks are underway about an Israeli military base.
Somalia and Algeria have also expanded diplomatic and security links, with both reiterating Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
