MOGADISHU – Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar known as “Ali Balcad” on Sunday denied reports circulating on social media alleging that he had made a secret visit to Israel.
Balcad dismissed the claims as “false and baseless,” stressing that he has not travelled to Israel and that the allegations were completely unfounded.
He noted that Somalia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, saying there was no official or political basis for such a visit.
“There is no reason for me to visit Israel,” he said, adding that the reports being shared online were inaccurate and misleading.
The claims spread widely across social media in recent hours before prompting a public response from the minister, who moved to reject them.
Somalia has long maintained a position of non-recognition of Israel and has consistently supported the Palestinian cause in international forums.
The denial comes amid heightened political sensitivity over reports of expanding ties between Israel and Somaliland, a development strongly opposed by Somalia’s federal government, which views it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
