Somalia’s President hits back at Netanyahu on Somaliland recognition

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has broken his silence following Israel’s decision to recognise the independence and sovereignty of the de facto semi-autonomous region of Somaliland, a move that has triggered diplomatic backlash across the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland declared itself autonomous from Somalia in 1991 after the overthrow of then-president Siad Barre.

Since then, it has exercised control over the northern part of the country, although successive governments in Mogadishu have maintained that the territory remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

On Friday, Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognise Somaliland as an independent entity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally conveyed the decision during a video call with the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi.

“Mr President, nice to speak to you. I want you to know that I’m signing now, as we speak, Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland and its right to self-determination,” Netanyahu said.

The declaration provides for the possible opening of embassies and the exchange of ambassadors, and outlines cooperation in areas including trade, agriculture, health and technology.

Israeli officials said the decision was taken within the framework of the Abraham Accords, under which Israel has sought to normalise relations with partners beyond the Middle East.

However, the announcement immediately sparked outrage from regional and international bodies.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations (IGAD) warned that unilateral recognition of Somaliland risked destabilising the region and undermining already fragile peace and state-building efforts in Somalia.

On Saturday, President Mohamud responded sharply, claiming Netanyahu violated international law and interfered in Somalia’s internal affairs.

In a strongly worded statement, he said the recognition amounted to an illegal act of aggression.

“The illegal aggression of PM Netanyahu in recognising a part of Somalia’s Northern region is against international law. Meddling with Somalia’s internal affairs is contrary to established legal and diplomatic rules. Somalia and its people are one: inseparable by division from afar,” Mohamud said.

Despite lacking international recognition apart from Israel, Somaliland operates its own government, issues its own currency and has held multiple elections that local authorities describe as democratic.

The region is strategically located along the Gulf of Aden and is bordered by Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Over the years, it has sought formal recognition while attracting limited foreign investment and hosting liaison offices from several countries.

IGAD reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty, warning that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland runs contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the agreement establishing the regional bloc.

The reaffirmation came shortly after the African Union dismissed any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent state.

African Union Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the continental body’s position, stating that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”