France, Dec. 31 -- Tens of thousands of people gathered across Somalia on Tuesday to protest Israel's decision to recognise the breakaway region of Somaliland, a move condemned by more than 20 countries as an attack on Somalia's sovereignty.

The demonstrations took place as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud travelled to Turkey for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following Israel's announcement last week.

Somalia also raised the issue at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, warning that Israel's recognition could pose serious regional security risks.

Israel's representative rejected the criticism, calling it a double standard and pointing to the recognition of Palestine by other states. ...