Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has sharply criticised Israel’s involvement in his country, accusing it of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty after recognising the breakaway region of Somaliland.
In an interview aired by Al Jazeera on Saturday, Mohamud said Somalia would categorically oppose any Israeli military presence in Somaliland and would take action to prevent it.
“We will never allow such a base to be established,” he said, warning that any Israeli facility in the territory could be used to threaten neighbouring states and further destabilise the region.
Israel’s Recognition Sparks Backlash
Mohamud’s remarks come amid growing regional criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision in December to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.
The move marked the first time any country has formally recognised Somaliland, a self-declared state in northwestern Somalia that has operated independently since 1991 but lacks international recognition.
The territory occupies a strategically sensitive location near one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, close to conflict zones across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
Somalia has denounced Israel’s decision as a violation of its territorial integrity, a stance supported by most African and Arab governments. Mogadishu has urged Israel to reverse the recognition.
Fears of a Military Presence
Concerns escalated after reports emerged suggesting Israel had explored security cooperation with Somaliland. In January, a Somaliland foreign ministry official told Israel’s Channel 12 that the possibility of an Israeli military base was “on the table,” though no agreement had been finalised.
Earlier reporting by The Associated Press said Israeli officials had also discussed Somaliland in the context of relocating Palestinians amid Israel’s war on Gaza—claims denied by both Israel and Somaliland authorities.
Mohamud said any such military presence would cross a red line.
“We will defend ourselves,” he said. “That means confronting any Israeli forces that attempt to enter, because we are firmly against this and will not permit it.”
Somaliland Welcomes Israel’s Move
In contrast, Somaliland’s leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, praised Israel’s decision, describing Netanyahu’s action as a demonstration of leadership that could bring stability and peace to the region.
For Somaliland, Israel’s recognition represents a major diplomatic breakthrough after decades of isolation. The region has in recent years strengthened ties with the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan as part of efforts to gain international legitimacy.
Wider Global Implications
Mohamud described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as “reckless” and “illegal under international law,” arguing that it weakens the foundations of the global rules-based system.
He linked Israel’s actions in Somaliland to its conduct in Gaza, saying both reflect a broader erosion of international norms.
“What we are witnessing is the weakening of the established international order,” Mohamud said. “Institutions created after World War II are now under serious threat, as power increasingly overrides the rule of law.”
He warned that instability in Somaliland could have far-reaching consequences for security and trade across Africa, the Red Sea, and beyond.
U.S. Position Remains Unclear
The United States has not formally changed its position on Somaliland, continuing to recognise Somalia’s territorial unity.
However, in August, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Washington was reviewing its approach when asked about Somaliland at a White House news conference.
“It’s another complex one, but we’re working on that one – Somaliland,” Trump said.
For Somalia’s leadership, the stakes remain high. Mohamud made clear that any attempt to formalise Israeli military involvement in Somaliland would be treated as a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability.