Somalia Condemns Israel-Somaliland Engagement as Irro Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s federal government on Monday condemned Israel’s growing ties with Somaliland, describing the engagement as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, following a historic visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” to Israel and the opening of Somaliland’s first embassy in Jerusalem.

In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it was “profoundly concerned” by Israeli engagement with what it termed the “secessionist administration” in northern Somalia outside the framework of the Federal Government.

“The Federal Republic of Somalia considers any such engagement a violation of its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional order,” the ministry said.

The statement came as Irro concluded a landmark visit to Israel, the first by a Somaliland president since Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state last year.

Jerusalem Embassy

During the visit, Somaliland officially opened its first embassy in Jerusalem and signed a Strategic Joint Declaration of Cooperation with Israel covering agriculture, water management, security, technology, investment, economic development and infrastructure.

Announcing the embassy opening on X, Irro described it as a “historic milestone” that reflected Somaliland’s growing international presence and deepening ties with Israel.

“A proud day for Somaliland and Somalilanders everywhere. Today, a new chapter in history has been written,” Irro said, thanking Israel for becoming the first country in 35 years to formally recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty and independence.

He added that the agreement between the two sides marked “a historic milestone” and laid the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed the visit as a major diplomatic breakthrough, describing it as the first official visit by a Somaliland leader following Israel’s recognition of the territory.

“This is a historic moment,” Netanyahu said. “I am proud that my government is the first government on the planet to recognize Somaliland.”

The Israeli leader said the two sides intended to expand cooperation in areas including water, agriculture, technology and security, adding that Israel and Somaliland were united by a shared belief that “freedom, democracy and opportunity are stronger than extremism, terrorism and chaos.”

Somalia, however, rejected the legitimacy of such engagement, saying any political, diplomatic or other relations with Somaliland that bypass the Federal Government are inconsistent with international law and carry no legal or political standing.

Somalia’s Appeal

The ministry called on the United Nations, African Union, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), IGAD and other international partners to uphold Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemn actions that undermine the unity of the Somali state.

Mogadishu also said it reserved the right to pursue all lawful diplomatic and legal measures necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.

The diplomatic dispute has intensified since Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland, a move that has been rejected by Somalia and criticized by several Arab and Muslim-majority countries, which continue to support Somalia’s territorial integrity.

While Somaliland has portrayed the recognition and embassy opening as a major breakthrough in its decades-long quest for international recognition, Somalia maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and that foreign governments should conduct relations through Mogadishu.