Somali president launches scathing attack on Israel

Written by: Ayman Ragab

In an interview with a local television station, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that Israel is exploiting the dispute between the federal government and the breakaway region of Somaliland, considering Tel Aviv's recognition of Somaliland to be one of the darkest days in Somalia's history.

Mahmoud stressed that the government in Mogadishu remains committed to the peace option in its efforts to reunify the country, despite the growing political challenges.

False confession

Israel recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state in late December 2025, becoming the first country to take this step, while the Somali government maintains that this recognition is null and void and has no legal effect.

In Somaliland, rapprochement with Israel faces opposition from some popular and religious circles, who base their position on what they describe as the atrocities committed in Gaza and the occupation of lands belonging to Islamic countries.

Dozens arrested

The region witnessed the arrest of dozens of people in connection with protests against the alliance with Israel, including religious scholars and young people who raised Palestinian flags during the demonstrations.

Somaliland is of great strategic importance as a military and commercial center overlooking the Gulf of Aden and close to Yemen, which makes it of interest to Israel as part of Tel Aviv’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its naval presence on the Red Sea coast.

The Somali president's remarks come days after violent clashes erupted in the capital, Mogadishu, following his decision to extend his term for an additional year.