Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has criticised Israel’s move to recognise the breakaway Republic of Somaliland, saying the decision will not benefit Somaliland or the wider region. Erdogan said he had condemned the move in December as illegal and unacceptable and accused Israel of trying to destabilise the Horn of Africa. He urged regional countries to resolve their own disputes and warned against the Horn of Africa becoming a battleground for foreign powers. Turkey has been expanding its influence in Africa by training Somalia’s security forces and deepening ties with countries including Ethiopia. In response to the Somaliland move, Somalia has cut ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of backing Israel’s decision.

Source: Ethiopian News February 17, 2026 21:13 UTC