Mogadishu President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has held a series of telephone consultations with the leaders of Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, during which the regional heads of state reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, according to official accounts.
The discussions focused on Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent entity, a move that Somalia and its regional partners have condemned as unlawful and destabilising. The East African leaders reportedly expressed a unified position that Israel’s action constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, the African Union’s founding principles on territorial integrity, and established norms of international law.
During the calls, the leaders underscored that Somalia’s borders are internationally recognised and non-negotiable, warning that unilateral recognition of a breakaway region risks setting a dangerous precedent that could fuel instability not only in the Horn of Africa but across the wider region.
Regional Leaders (Joint Position): “Any action that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a UN member state violates international law and threatens regional peace and stability.”
Somalia Reiterates Strong Objection
The Somali government has previously stated that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland directly undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and national unity and poses a serious threat to regional stability. Mogadishu has described the move as null and void, stressing that no external actor has the authority to alter Somalia’s constitutional order or territorial configuration.
Officials emphasized that the Somaliland region remains an integral and inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and that any attempt to legitimise secession outside constitutional and multilateral frameworks carries no legal or political effect.
Regional Stability and Security Concerns
The leaders of Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda reportedly shared concerns that such unilateral actions could exacerbate political tensions, weaken collective security arrangements, and create conditions that extremist groups could exploit. The Horn of Africa, already facing complex security challenges, relies heavily on regional cooperation to counter terrorism, protect maritime routes, and maintain political stability.
Diplomatic Path Forward
Somalia has indicated that it will continue to pursue diplomatic engagement with regional blocs, the African Union, and the United Nations to ensure broad international reaffirmation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The government has also called on international partners to adhere strictly to international law and to avoid actions that could undermine peace and security in the region.
The telephone diplomacy reflects Somalia’s broader effort to mobilise regional and international support in defence of its unity, as Mogadishu seeks to counter what it views as a serious breach of the rules-based international order.
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