MOGADISHU — Somalia on Wednesday condemned Somaliland’s plan to open an embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move illegal and a provocation against the Arab and Islamic worlds.
In a statement, Somalia’s foreign ministry said the planned embassy would have “no legal effect,” insisting Somaliland remains part of Somalia’s sovereign territory.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, and categorically rejects any unilateral actions or measures that undermine the legal and political status of the Somali state,” the ministry said.
The statement followed remarks by Mohamed Haji, Somaliland’s envoy to Israel, who said the breakaway region would open an embassy in Jerusalem while Israel was preparing to establish a diplomatic mission in Hargeisa.
Haji wrote on X that the move reflected “growing friendship, mutual respect and strategic cooperation” between Somaliland and Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “significant step” toward strengthening relations.
The embassy plan is the latest development in a diplomatic dispute that escalated after Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said the recognition followed a joint declaration signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro.
Israel became the first U.N. member state to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has remained without broad international recognition for more than three decades.
Somalia has strongly rejected Israel’s recognition, maintaining that Somaliland remains part of its territory. Several countries and organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have also opposed the move, citing concerns over Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability.
Israeli media reported that Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on May 18.
Somaliland has operated with its own government, security forces, currency and electoral institutions since breaking away from Somalia in 1991. However, Mogadishu continues to reject its claim to independence, while the African Union and the United Nations have repeatedly called for dialogue between the two sides without recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty.
