MOGADISHU — The Arab League and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have discussed the situation in Somalia and what they described as potential foreign interference in the Horn of Africa, amid reports that Somaliland plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
In a joint position, both sides condemned reports that the self-declared region of Somaliland intends to establish a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, calling the move illegal and contrary to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somalia’s federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reiterated that Somaliland is part of Somalia and said any such diplomatic initiative carried out without approval from Mogadishu would have “no legal standing.”
The Arab League also reaffirmed its full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, pledging continued backing for the federal government in Mogadishu.
According to statements from the discussions, the planned Somaliland move was described as a violation of international norms and a step that could further complicate tensions in the region.
Concerns were also raised over what officials referred to as growing external involvement in the Horn of Africa, a strategically important region that has seen increasing geopolitical competition in recent years.
The reported plan to open a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem comes amid broader diplomatic developments involving Israel and Somaliland. Somalia has strongly rejected any such engagement, insisting that foreign relations remain the exclusive competence of the federal government.
Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive cities in global diplomacy, with its status disputed in the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government but has not gained broad international recognition. It operates its own governing institutions, while Mogadishu continues to consider it part of its sovereign territory.
The African Union and the United Nations have repeatedly called for dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland, without endorsing independence for the breakaway region.
