Somalia Condemns Israeli Foreign Minister’s Visit to Hargeisa

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia has condemned what it described as an unauthorized visit by Israel’s foreign minister to the northern city of Hargeisa, calling the move a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Hargeisa remains an integral part of Somalia’s internationally recognized territory and warned that any foreign engagement conducted without the consent of the federal government was illegal and without legal effect.

The ministry said the visit amounted to interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and ran counter to international norms governing relations between sovereign states, including the principles set out in the United Nations Charter and the African Union’s founding documents.

Mogadishu called on Israel to halt any actions that undermine Somalia’s unity and urged international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to reaffirm their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and recognized borders.

While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful diplomacy and international law, Somalia said it reserved the right to pursue appropriate diplomatic and legal measures to defend its national unity and territorial integrity.