President Mohamud Says Somalia Has Deployed Legal and Diplomatic Efforts to Counter Somaliland Recognition

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced what he described as broad political and legal measures to counter what he termed an “illegal” move by Israel to recognize the breakaway administration of Somaliland.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the Somali leader said Mogadishu is working closely with several countries, led by Saudi Arabia, to safeguard Somalia’s unity and preserve stability in the Horn of Africa.

President Hassan Sheikh said the recognition reportedly declared by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. He argued that the move contravenes international law, the United Nations Charter, and African Union resolutions that uphold the principle of respecting Africa’s inherited colonial borders.

The president outlined three parallel steps taken by his government in response.

The first, he said, is an urgent diplomatic campaign launched at the United Nations, the African Union, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation aimed at legally and politically rejecting and reversing Israel’s recognition. Somalia has secured a special session at the United Nations Security Council to address the matter, which the president described as a significant diplomatic achievement.

The second step involves consolidating a unified Arab, Islamic, and African position. President Hassan Sheikh specifically commended Saudi Arabia, describing it as among the first countries to clearly oppose Israel’s move. He said Riyadh’s stance reflects its longstanding support for Somalia’s unity and independence.

The third measure focuses on strengthening national dialogue within Somalia to resolve political issues through Somali-led processes free from external interference.

The president warned that if the recognition is not urgently reversed, it could set a dangerous precedent capable of fueling separatist movements across Africa and the Arab world, particularly in fragile states such as Sudan and Yemen.

He also cautioned that the development poses risks to the security of the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, both of which are critical to global trade and energy security.

President Hassan Sheikh accused Israel of seeking more than political recognition, alleging that it aims to establish a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa to expand its influence over the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab corridor.

He stressed that Somalia will not allow its territory to become an arena for foreign power competition and vowed that the government would firmly defend the country’s territorial unity and political sovereignty.

The president concluded by underscoring the depth of Somalia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, describing it as rooted in history, faith, and shared interests, and noting Riyadh’s significant role in supporting Somalia’s stability, reconstruction, and development.