Somali Elders Hold Protest in Mogadishu Over Israel’s Reported Recognition of Somaliland
Somali elders on Sunday gathered at Daljirka Dahsoon in the Bondeere district of Mogadishu to protest Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, a move they say threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The demonstration comes a day after a women-only protest was held in the capital, reflecting growing public opposition to any international action seen as legitimizing Somaliland’s secession from Somalia.
Speaking at the gathering, the elders warned that recognition of Somaliland would undermine Somalia’s unity and risk further instability in the Horn of Africa. They called on the Federal Government of Somalia to take a firm diplomatic stance and urged the international community to respect Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.
“The unity of Somalia is non-negotiable,” the elders said in a joint statement, adding that external recognition of breakaway regions could set a dangerous precedent for the region.
The protest remained peaceful, with elders delivering speeches and statements as security forces maintained a visible presence to ensure order at the venue.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized by the international community. The Federal Government of Somalia has consistently maintained that Somaliland is an integral part of the country and has rejected any unilateral moves toward recognition.