Somalia’s President to Address Parliament in Extraordinary Session Amid Sovereignty Crisis

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set to address a joint session of both chambers of the Federal Parliament of Somalia on Sunday in what officials have described as an extraordinary sitting, convened amid heightened political and diplomatic tensions facing the country.

A formal notice circulated to lawmakers confirmed that the session was called due to the urgency and gravity of the national situation, signalling a rare high-level briefing by the head of state.

According to parliamentary and government sources, President Hassan Sheikh is expected to present a detailed overview of the current political landscape, with particular focus on Israel’s recent announcement recognizing Somaliland — a self-declared region in northern Somalia — as an independent entity.

The Somali federal government has rejected the move as illegal and invalid, arguing that it constitutes a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, principles enshrined in international law, the United Nations Charter, and African Union norms.

Sunday’s session is intended to brief lawmakers on ongoing diplomatic efforts and to forge a unified national position between the executive branch and parliament on how Somalia should respond to the development, officials said.

The extraordinary meeting comes as President Hassan Sheikh leads an intensified international diplomatic campaign, engaging regional leaders, global partners, and multilateral organizations in an effort to counter Israel’s decision and reinforce international support for Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.

Several countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and China, have publicly reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty in recent days, while regional analysts warn that the recognition of Somaliland could further destabilize the Horn of Africa, already strained by security and geopolitical rivalries.

Lawmakers are expected to question the president following his address and may issue a parliamentary resolution backing the government’s diplomatic stance.

The session is seen as a critical step in consolidating internal consensus as Somalia navigates one of its most sensitive diplomatic challenges in years.