Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused unnamed neighboring countries of attempting to exploit Israel’s recognition of Somaliland for short-term gains, warning that Somalia’s territorial integrity is a non-negotiable “red line.”
In an interview with the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat, the president said certain regional actors are seeking to capitalize on the diplomatic fallout from Israel’s December recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
“Some countries in the region want to seize this opportunity to advance short-term interests, jeopardizing Somalia’s unity and the stability of the region,” Hassan Sheikh said. Although he declined to name specific states, he suggested that some may perceive Israel’s move as offering limited strategic advantages.
Since the announcement, several governments and regional organizations have reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya have not publicly clarified their positions on Israel’s decision.
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been strained in recent years, particularly after Addis Ababa signed an agreement with Somaliland two years ago, triggering diplomatic tensions with Mogadishu.
Hassan Sheikh said his administration would deploy all available policy tools to safeguard the country’s unity. “Somalia’s territorial integrity is a red line that cannot be crossed,” he emphasized.
Although Somaliland has maintained its own government, security forces, and institutions for more than three decades, it has yet to secure broad international recognition. Israel remains the only country to have formally recognized it as an independent state.
The president reiterated his position at the second Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa on Friday, urging member states of the African Union to reject external interference and uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the U.N. Charter and the AU Constitutive Act.
On Thursday, the African Union Peace and Security Council reinforced that stance, reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty and condemning Israel’s unilateral recognition of what it described as the “so-called Republic of Somaliland.” The council called for the decision to be revoked and reiterated its opposition to external interference in the internal affairs of African states.
The dispute over Somaliland’s status has added another layer of strain to the already fragile Horn of Africa, where diplomatic rivalries, security challenges, and shifting alliances continue to test regional stability.