Hundreds in Somalia’s capital protest Israel’s  recognition of breakaway territory of Somaliland

Key Highlights

• The rally came two weeks after Israel announced that it recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation — and two days after Israel’s foreign minister visited Hargeisa, the Somaliland capital.
• On his visit, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel would soon open an embassy and appoint an ambassador.
• Thursday night’s demonstration was the third such event since Israel recognised Somaliland on December 26.
• “We are protesting against the division of our country,” demonstrator Said Gedi said.
• “This is against the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Somalia, and we hope Somalia will stand united.” Another protester, Abdirahman Abdulkadir, said that the demonstration was meant to send a message of unity.