Somali president warns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland threatens Horn of Africa stability and encourages global secessionist movements
MOGADISHU: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as a threat to regional security.
Addressing an emergency parliamentary session, Mohamud said the move was “tantamount to a blunt aggression against the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the unity of the people of the Somali Republic”.
He warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions encourage hardline and secessionist movements worldwide.
The Somali government denounced the recognition as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained widespread international recognition.
It maintains its own currency, passport, and army and occupies a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden.
Regional analysts suggest Israel’s move aims to secure better access to the Red Sea.
This could facilitate strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, whom Israel has targeted since the Gaza war began.
The African Union, Egypt, Turkey, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have all condemned Israel’s decision.
The European Union called for meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia’s federal government.
Mohamud also rejected reports that Somaliland might host Palestinians expelled by Israel.
“Somalia will never accept the people of Palestine to be forcibly evicted from their rightful land to a faraway place,” he told parliament.
He warned Netanyahu against transferring Middle East conflicts to Somalia, stating the country would not allow foreign military bases used to attack other nations.
