Mogadishu — The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a firm and unequivocal rejection of Israel’s decision to recognize the northern region of Somalia as an independent entity, describing the move as a direct violation of international law and an assault on Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In an official statement released on 26 December 2025, the Government reaffirmed that Somalia is a single, indivisible, and sovereign state whose internationally recognized borders are non-negotiable and protected under the Provisional Constitution, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
“The Somaliland region is an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of the sovereign territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” Federal Government of Somalia (Official Statement)
The statement categorically declared Israel’s action null and void, stressing that no external actor has the legal authority or standing to alter Somalia’s territorial configuration or political status. Any recognition, declaration, or arrangement attempting to undermine Somalia’s unity, the Government said, carries no legal or political effect under international law
Warning Against Regional Destabilisation
Somalia further warned that such actions risk undermining peace and stability across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the wider Middle East. The Government cautioned that unilateral and illegitimate decisions of this nature could exacerbate regional tensions and create enabling conditions for extremist groups, including Al-Shabaab and ISIS, to exploit political instability.
“Illegitimate actions of this nature seriously undermine regional peace and stability and contravene the collective responsibilities of states to combat terrorism.” Federal Government of Somalia
The Government also made clear that it will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases or security arrangements on Somali territory that could draw the country into proxy conflicts or import external hostilities into the region.
Commitment to International Law and Diplomatic Action
Reiterating its commitment to constructive international engagement, Somalia stated that it will pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures to defend its sovereignty and internationally recognized borders, in full accordance with international law.
The statement emphasized that matters concerning Somalia’s unity, governance, and constitutional order remain the exclusive prerogative of the Somali people and must be resolved solely through lawful, constitutional, and peaceful means.
“Any declaration or recognition that seeks to undermine this reality is null, void, and without legal or political effect under international law.” Federal Government of Somalia
Position on Palestine
Within the same statement, Somalia reaffirmed its principled and longstanding support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination. The Government reiterated its rejection of occupation, forced displacement, demographic engineering, and settlement expansion in all forms, stating unequivocally that Somalia will never accept efforts to render the Palestinian people stateless.
Call for Unity and International Responsibility
The Federal Government called upon Somali citizens to remain united, vigilant, and resolute in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also urged all states and international partners to respect international law, uphold the principles of non-interference, and act responsibly in the interest of regional and global peace and security.
Broader Implications
Analysts note that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland places it at odds with prevailing international consensus and risks complicating diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa, a region already facing security, humanitarian, and geopolitical pressures.
For Somalia, the issue is both legal and existential. Officials insist that allowing such recognition to stand would weaken multilateral norms and embolden separatist movements elsewhere.
Somalia has reaffirmed that it will pursue diplomatic, legal, and multilateral channels to challenge Israel’s decision and to ensure continued international recognition of its unity and sovereignty.
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