Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), representing over 200 million workers worldwide, expresses its deep concern regarding the recent announcement by the Government of Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu purporting to recognise “Somaliland”, a region within Somalia, as an independent state.
The ITUC firmly recalls that the United Nations, the African Union, and the international community have consistently reaffirmed the respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Any unilateral act that departs from these established international positions violates international law, weakens multilateralism, and risks exacerbating tensions in an already fragile and conflict-affected region.
As a global trade union movement committed to peace, democracy, and social justice, the ITUC stresses that international recognition of statehood cannot be determined through unilateral political decisions, but must be grounded in international law, inclusive dialogue, and the consent of the people concerned, within recognised legal and multilateral frameworks.
We stand in full solidarity with the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) and ITUC-Africa, who have clearly warned that such actions threaten peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa. Workers and their communities in Somalia continue to endure the devastating consequences of conflict, climate shocks, displacement, terrorism and economic insecurity. Any development that risks further destabilisation runs directly counter to the urgent need for peace-building, state-building, decent work, and sustainable development.
The ITUC recalls the United Nations Charter and relevant UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions which emphasise the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Respect for these principles is essential to preventing conflict and protecting human security.
We therefore call on:
- The Government of Israel to reconsider this position and respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia while aligning its actions with international law and established UN frameworks;
- All states to refrain from unilateral actions that undermine peace, regional stability, and multilateral processes in Somalia and the Horn of Africa region;
- The international community, including the United Nations and African Union, to renew efforts to support inclusive dialogue, peace-building, and democratic governance in Somalia.
The global trade union movement reiterates its unwavering commitment to peace, respect for international law, and the protection of workers’ rights across borders. Sustainable peace in Somalia and the wider region can only be achieved through dialogue, multilateralism, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, in line with international law including the UN charter.
The ITUC will continue to stand with Somali workers, their trade unions, and all those striving for peace, unity, and social justice.
