Somalia Warns Israel against Recognising Somaliland, Cites Threat to Regional Stability

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia’s information minister has warned that any move by Israel to recognise Somaliland would violate international law and undermine the country’s sovereignty, escalating tensions over the breakaway region’s status.

In an interview with Al-Arabi Television, Information Minister Daud Aweis Jama said recognition of Somaliland would breach the principles underpinning the United Nations and the established international order.

“Such a step would be illegal and a direct challenge to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity,” he said, framing the issue as one that could have wider global consequences.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received formal recognition from any country. Mogadishu considers the region part of its territory.

Aweis warned that recognition could fuel instability across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea corridor and the wider Middle East. He said it risked encouraging separatist movements elsewhere on the continent and beyond.

He also raised concern about security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden through which a significant share of global trade passes. Any additional tensions in the area could disrupt shipping and regional security, he said.

The minister added that any attempt by Israel to establish a military presence in Somali territory would be viewed as a threat to national and regional stability.

Somalia called on the international community to reject actions that it said would undermine its territorial integrity.

During the interview, Aweis also addressed Somalia’s defence partnerships with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, saying the agreements are aimed at strengthening national security and combating the al Shabaab insurgency. He said the cooperation was defensive and not directed at any other country.

He further highlighted Somalia’s longstanding ties with Egypt, describing relations as strategic and historic. His remarks come as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visits Cairo this week to reinforce defence and security cooperation agreements renewed last year.

Somalia has in recent years sought to deepen security alliances while asserting its position on sovereignty issues amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.