MOGADISHU — Somalia’s foreign ministry on Tuesday strongly condemned growing relations between Somaliland and Israel, including a recent visit by Somaliland’s leadership to Israeli-controlled territory, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it viewed any political or diplomatic engagement with Somaliland conducted without the approval of the federal government as “illegal and null,” reiterating that Mogadishu remains the only internationally recognized authority representing Somalia.
The ministry said such contacts undermine national unity, constitutional order, and Somalia’s territorial integrity, and warned that they contradict international law and established diplomatic norms.
It also urged international organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and IGAD, to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and refrain from any actions that could be interpreted as legitimizing Somaliland’s external relations.
Mogadishu further called on the international community to condemn what it described as attempts to bypass the federal government in foreign engagements involving Somaliland.
The statement comes amid reports of expanding ties between Somaliland and Israel, including discussions on economic cooperation, investment, and potential diplomatic representation.
The federal government said it reserves the right to take “all legal and diplomatic measures” necessary to defend Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
Despite its strong criticism, Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and regional cooperation, while warning against any actions it said could threaten national unity or stability.
