MOGADISHU, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people on Tuesday staged protests in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, and several other cities nationwide against Israel's recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as a sovereign state.
The rallies were aimed at demonstrating public support for safeguarding Somalia's national unity and territorial integrity.
"We convey to the global community that our country, Somalia, is free, was free, and will remain free. We will protect its land, sea, and air. It belongs to us," said a woman protester in the Las Anod region.
The rallies, attended by government and regional officials as well as students, saw participants affirm that Somaliland remains an integral and inseparable part of Somalia and condemn any political or diplomatic ties with Israel.
On Dec. 26, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and others. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
Protesters chanted anti-Israel slogans and warned against attempts to divide Somalia, saying they reject separatism.
Hussein Ali, a protester in Mogadishu, called on the international community to condemn Israel's decision.
"The Israeli action is unacceptable to the Somali people, and Somaliland is an inseparable region of Somalia. Our international partners should not remain silent on this provocative issue raised by Israel," Ali said.
The rallies came as senior Somali government officials engaged in diplomatic outreach worldwide to denounce the Israeli decision, which they said was a provocative step that could exacerbate regional tensions and undermine Somalia's sovereignty and political cohesion. ■
