Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Sunday in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district to protest Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, denouncing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirming their support for the country’s unity.
Waving Somali flags and chanting patriotic slogans, protesters marched through the district carrying placards rejecting what they described as foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. The rally drew local residents, community leaders, and government officials, underscoring broad-based opposition to Israel’s decision.
Participants accused Israel of undermining Somalia’s internationally recognized borders and vowed to resist any external actions they said threaten the nation’s unity.
“This is about defending our sovereignty and our nation,” one demonstrator said, echoing a sentiment widely shared throughout the protest.
The demonstration comes weeks after Israel announced it had recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. The decision has been firmly rejected by Somalia and condemned by African, Arab, and Islamic organizations, as well as by numerous governments.
Public anger has intensified in recent days following a visit by Israel’s foreign minister to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland—a trip Somali authorities described as an illegal incursion into their territory.
Somali officials say the federal government has launched a diplomatic campaign to counter Israel’s move, using international forums to rally support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. Authorities report that these efforts have received backing from global and regional partners opposed to the recognition.
Sunday’s rally is part of a series of demonstrations held across Somalia in recent weeks, with protests in major cities and towns repeatedly affirming support for national unity and rejecting what demonstrators describe as Israeli aggression.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated as a de facto self-governing entity for more than three decades. However, it has not received international recognition as a sovereign state. Somalia maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of its territory and argues that any recognition without its consent violates international law.