Somali President Condemns Israel’s Somaliland Move: What You Need to Know

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday addressed both houses of the Federal Parliament, strongly condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and warning that the move violated international law and threatened Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking during a special parliamentary session, Mohamud said the decision announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu constituted a “clear breach” of international norms and agreements governing state sovereignty.

“The action taken by Netanyahu is unacceptable and represents a direct attack on the sovereignty, independence and territorial unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the president said.

Mohamud reiterated that Somaliland — a self-governing region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised by the United Nations — is an inseparable part of Somalia’s internationally recognised territory.

“Our position will not change,” he said. “Any attempt to divide the country will be firmly resisted.”

The president said both the Somali government and its people were prepared to defend the country’s unity “with all available means,” calling on political leaders to present a unified national stance at what he described as a sensitive moment for Somalia and the wider region.

Israel announced on Dec. 26 that it had recognised Somaliland as an independent state, triggering strong diplomatic backlash from Somalia and a wave of condemnations from African, Arab and Muslim-majority countries, as well as regional organisations.

Mohamud welcomed what he described as broad regional and international support for Somalia’s position, citing backing from Arab states, African partners and international allies who have reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity.

He also reiterated Somalia’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, condemning what he called ongoing violations against Palestinians and rejecting any forced displacement of civilians.

“Somalia will not allow its territory to be used as a platform for conflict or destabilisation,” Mohamud said, adding that the country remained committed to contributing to regional and global peace and security.

In his closing remarks, the president urged Somalia’s allies and international institutions to support Mogadishu’s diplomatic and legal efforts to counter Israel’s move, stressing that the issue had implications beyond Somalia’s borders.

Somalia is expected to raise the matter at the United Nations and other international forums in the coming days, including the UN Security Council, where it is due to assume the rotating presidency in early January.

Israel has not publicly responded to Mohamud’s remarks.