The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, describing the move as unlawful and a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a press release issued on December 26, the Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed Somalia’s “absolute and non-negotiable commitment” to its unity and internationally recognised borders, as enshrined in the country’s Provisional Constitution, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
“The Federal Government of Somalia categorically and unequivocally rejects the deliberate attack to its sovereignty and the unlawful step by Israel purporting to recognize the northern region of Somalia,” the statement read, stressing that Somaliland remains “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part” of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The reaction follows an announcement earlier in the day in which Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and the President of Somaliland signed a joint declaration formalising Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and committing to establish diplomatic relations.
Somalia warned that no external actor has the authority to alter its territorial configuration, declaring that any recognition or arrangement aimed at undermining the country’s unity is “null, void, and without any legal or political effect under international law.” It added that questions relating to Somalia’s governance and constitutional order can only be resolved by the Somali people through lawful and peaceful means.
The Somali government also cautioned against the establishment of foreign military bases or security arrangements on its territory, warning that such moves could drag the country into proxy conflicts and heighten regional and international tensions. According to the statement, actions of this nature risk destabilising the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, while potentially creating opportunities for extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS to exploit political instability.
In a broader geopolitical context, Mogadishu reiterated its firm support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and rejected occupation, forced displacement, and settlement expansion “in all their forms,” stating it would never accept efforts to render Palestinians stateless.
Despite the sharp rebuke, Somalia said it remains committed to constructive engagement with the international community based on mutual respect and adherence to international law. The government pledged to pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures to defend its sovereignty and internationally recognised borders.
The statement concluded with a call for Somali citizens to remain united and vigilant, and urged states and international partners to respect international law, uphold non-interference, and act responsibly in the interest of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Israel has not yet responded publicly to Somalia’s statement, but the development is expected to draw wider regional and international attention as diplomatic reactions continue to unfold.
