The international community is widely condemning Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, a move announced Friday that has sparked controversy across world capitals. The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the African Union (AU), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have joined a growing chorus of countries and foreign ministers in denouncing the recognition.

Somaliland, a region located in the Horn of Africa, declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali central government. Since then, it has operated as a self-governing entity with its own government, currency, and security forces. However, it has struggled to gain international recognition, a goal that President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has prioritized since assuming office last year.

Somalia's government has reacted strongly to Israel's announcement, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the recognition. The move is seen by many as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The potential ramifications for regional stability are also a major concern, particularly given the already volatile geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.

The Arab League, representing 22 member states, issued a statement expressing its "deep concern" over Israel's action, reiterating its support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity. Similarly, the GCC, comprising six Gulf states, condemned the recognition, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sovereignty of all Arab nations.

The African Union, a continental body representing 55 member states, has yet to release an official statement, but sources within the organization indicate a similar stance of non-recognition, aligning with the AU's charter on respecting existing borders. The OIC, representing 57 Muslim-majority countries, is expected to release a statement shortly, also likely condemning Israel's move.

Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland makes it the first country to do so. The motivations behind the decision remain unclear, though some analysts suggest it is driven by strategic interests in the Red Sea region and a desire to counter Iranian influence. Others speculate it could be linked to potential access to Somaliland's natural resources.

The recognition has ignited debate within Israel as well, with some questioning the wisdom of alienating Somalia and potentially destabilizing the region. Critics also point to the potential implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that recognizing Somaliland could set a precedent for recognizing other breakaway regions.

The situation remains fluid, and the long-term consequences of Israel's decision are yet to be seen. Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions and find a resolution that respects the sovereignty of Somalia while addressing Somaliland's aspirations for self-determination. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of this complex and sensitive issue.