The Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia has formally rejected Israel’s decision to recognize the Somaliland region, describing the move as illegal, provocative, and a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a strongly worded official statement released on Friday, the Somali government reaffirmed its non-negotiable commitment to preserving the country’s unity, independence, and internationally recognized borders, in accordance with the Provisional Constitution of Somalia, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
The government categorically dismissed Israel’s announcement as a legally null and void act, stressing that Somaliland is an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and cannot be recognized as an independent entity under international law.
“Any declaration, recognition, or agreement that seeks to undermine Somalia’s unity has no legal or political standing,” the statement said.
According to Mogadishu, the move represents a direct assault on Somalia’s sovereignty and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional stability. The government warned that unilateral recognitions of breakaway regions violate international norms and risk inflaming political and security tensions across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the wider Middle East.
Somalia also cautioned that such actions undermine collective efforts to combat terrorism, including the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, by creating political instability that extremist groups could exploit.
The statement further made clear that Somalia will not permit foreign military bases or security agreements on its territory that could entangle the country in proxy conflicts or escalate regional and global confrontations.
Any military or political arrangement made without the consent of the Federal Government, it said, constitutes a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
In a parallel diplomatic message, Somalia reiterated its principled support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination. The government reaffirmed its rejection of occupation, forced displacement, demographic engineering, and illegal settlement expansion in all forms.
“Somalia will never accept a reality in which the Palestinian people are rendered stateless,” the statement emphasized.
The Federal Government confirmed it will pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures, in line with international law, to defend its sovereignty, unity, and recognized borders. This includes engagement with international partners and multilateral institutions.
Somalia also called on its citizens to remain united, vigilant, and steadfast in defending the country’s independence and national cohesion.
In closing, Somalia urged all governments and international partners to respect international law, uphold the principles of non-interference and territorial integrity, and act responsibly in the interest of peace and stability in the region.
The Somali government’s rejection of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland underscores Mogadishu’s firm stance against secessionism and external interference. At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, Somalia has drawn a clear red line: its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are not open to negotiation.
