Somalia Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Warns of Regional Security Risks

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has formally and unequivocally rejected Israel’s decision to recognize the Somaliland region as an independent state, describing the move as unlawful, null and void, and a direct attack on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Following an extraordinary cabinet meeting Thursday night, the government said Israel’s action has no legal or political effect under international law and violates Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, the United Nations Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

The statement affirmed that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable and inalienable part” of the Federal Republic of Somalia, stressing that Somalia remains a single, indivisible sovereign state whose unity and territorial configuration cannot be altered by any external actor.

“The Federal Government of Somalia categorically and unequivocally rejects the unlawful step by Israel purporting to recognize the northern region of Somalia,” the statement said, adding that decisions relating to Somalia’s unity, governance and constitutional order are the exclusive prerogative of the Somali people.

Warning Against Foreign Military Presence

In unusually strong language, the government warned that it would not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases or arrangements on Somali territory that could draw the country into proxy conflicts or import regional and international hostilities.

It cautioned that illegitimate actions of this nature risk exacerbating political and security tensions across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while undermining collective efforts to combat terrorism, including Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

The statement warned that political instability created by such moves could be exploited by extremist groups, threatening ongoing peace and security efforts in Somalia and the wider region.

Legal, Diplomatic and Political Response

The federal government said it remains committed to constructive engagement with the international community based on mutual respect, international legality and regional cooperation. It confirmed it would pursue all necessary diplomatic, political and legal measures to defend Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and internationally recognised borders.

Somalia also called on states and international partners to uphold the principles of non-interference and territorial integrity, urging responsible conduct in the interest of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Palestine Position Reaffirmed

The statement reiterated Somalia’s long-standing and “unwavering” support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination. It reaffirmed Somalia’s rejection of occupation, forced displacement, demographic engineering and settlement expansion, stating that Somalia would never accept efforts to render the Palestinian people stateless.

Call for National Unity

Domestically, the government called on Somali citizens to remain united, vigilant and resolute in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, underscoring the need for national cohesion amid escalating regional tensions.

Regional Backlash Intensifies

The Somali government’s statement follows a wave of regional condemnation of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Turkey, Egypt and Djibouti have all rejected the move, framing it as a violation of international law and an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.

Israel announced the recognition on 26 December following a virtual meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), marking the first recognition of Somaliland by a UN member state since it declared independence in 1991.

With Mogadishu now formally laying out its position, the issue is shaping into a major diplomatic test in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia and its allies warning that unilateral recognitions risk destabilizing an already fragile regional security landscape.