Somalia has voiced strong opposition to the developing relationship between Israel and Somaliland, citing concerns over regional security and the potential escalation of conflict in the Horn of Africa.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed members of the Federal Parliament, warning that closer ties between Israel and Somaliland could import the longstanding Middle East conflict into East Africa, a region that has remained largely detached from it for decades.
"The misfortune for us was that this conflict had remained far from us. Those in Somaliland have brought that issue closer," President Hassan said, referring to reports of collaboration between Somaliland and Israel.
Highlighting Israel's historical pattern of maintaining a presence once established in disputed territories, the Somali president emphasized the government's determination to prevent Israel from gaining a foothold in Somaliland.
"Study Israel’s history and its conduct; wherever it goes, it does not leave easily," he remarked, adding that Somalia would utilize all diplomatic avenues to oppose any Israeli military or permanent presence in Somaliland.
The tensions come after Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland's self-declared independence in late 2025, a move rejected by Somalia, which regards Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory despite its 1991 unilateral declaration of independence.
Following the recognition, Somaliland’s president visited Israel, leading to announcements of enhanced cooperation in security and development sectors. While Somaliland authorities deny plans to host an Israeli military base, they have confirmed discussions about security training.
The dispute exacerbates the already fragile relations between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, with Somaliland continuing its push for international recognition and Somalia insisting on its territorial integrity.
Strategically located near key maritime routes along the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, Somaliland's geopolitical significance has attracted global attention, intensifying the stakes of this diplomatic rift.
President Hassan concluded by reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to prevent Israel from establishing a permanent presence in Somaliland, warning that such a development could destabilize the Horn of Africa and entangle it in a conflict historically confined to the Middle East.
