Somalia’s federal government has suspended a high-profile policy conference scheduled to take place in the central city of Dhusamareb, citing heightened political and diplomatic tensions following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, officials and sources said on Saturday.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordered the postponement of the Heritage Institute’s annual forum, known as AFI 2025, after consultations with Galmudug State President Ahmed Abdi Karie, according to government-linked sources.
The forum, which was expected to draw senior federal and regional officials, lawmakers, diplomats, academics and civil society figures, was halted as Mogadishu moves to consolidate a unified national response to Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland — a self-declared autonomous region that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory.
Somalia has rejected the recognition as a violation of international law and its territorial integrity, and has launched a diplomatic campaign urging foreign governments and international organisations not to follow Israel’s move.
The foreign ministry has placed more than 40 Somali embassies and consulates on high alert, instructing envoys to engage host governments and multilateral bodies, including the United Nations and African Union, to counter any momentum toward further recognition.
Regional and international reactions have largely aligned with Somalia’s position. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait and the Arab League have issued statements reaffirming Somalia’s unity and rejecting any recognition of Somaliland. Turkey said Israel’s decision constituted “an unlawful act aimed at destabilising the region.”
Analysts say the suspension of the Dhusamareb forum reflects the government’s concern that domestic political gatherings could dilute focus at a time of escalating diplomatic pressure.
“Somalia is facing one of its most sensitive foreign policy moments in years,” said a Horn of Africa analyst based in Nairobi. “The government wants message discipline — internally and externally.”
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognised by the United Nations or any major international body.
Somalia’s federal government maintains that any change to its borders must occur through constitutional and internationally recognised processes.
The postponement adds to uncertainty around Somalia’s political calendar, with officials saying the conference may be rescheduled once diplomatic conditions stabilise.
