Somali PM Warns Israel’s Somaliland Recognition Poses Risk to Horn of Africa, Middle East

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has warned that Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland poses a serious threat to regional stability in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Barre outlined the Federal Government of Somalia’s response to the move, describing it as a dangerous development with far-reaching security implications.

He said that since the announcement, Somalia has launched what he termed “robust diplomatic efforts,” engaging directly with foreign governments and international organizations to highlight the risks arising from Israel’s action.

According to the Prime Minister, those efforts have already yielded results. He said the majority of countries and international bodies contacted by Mogadishu have expressed clear support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Barre cautioned that failure to collectively confront Israel’s decision could open the door to broader strategic ambitions in the region. He warned that Israel may seek to extend its influence over the Red Sea, one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.

He also raised concerns about the possibility of Israel establishing strategic military or security bases in the Horn of Africa, which he said could be used to project power beyond the region. Such a development, Barre argued, would pose a major threat to regional security and undermine stability across Africa and the Middle East.

The Prime Minister stressed that Somalia will continue to pursue diplomatic channels and work closely with international partners to uphold international law. He reiterated that Mogadishu will oppose any action that undermines Somalia’s sovereignty or threatens peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

Israel announced earlier this week that it had recognized Somaliland as an independent state, a move that has been widely rejected by Somalia, regional organizations and several international partners.