Somali President: Israel's recognition of Somaliland is one of the darkest days in the country's history

Written by: Badr Ahmed

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Israel's recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state as one of the darkest days in Somalia's history, while affirming his government's commitment to peace and to efforts aimed at reunifying the country.

In an interview with a local television station, the Somali president said that the government in Mogadishu categorically rejects the Israeli move, considering that the recognition has no legal or political legitimacy, and that it does not change Somalia’s position, which considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory.

Israel's recognition of Somaliland

In late December 2025, Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country in the world to take this step. This sparked widespread reactions both inside and outside Somalia, amid fears of the decision's repercussions on regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Authorities in Mogadishu assert that the Israeli recognition is “null and void,” emphasizing that any moves or agreements made with the Somaliland authorities cannot diminish the sovereignty of the Somali state or its territorial integrity.

Conversely, rapprochement with Israel is not unanimously supported within Somaliland itself, where the region has witnessed protests against relations with Tel Aviv. Opponents cite what they describe as Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, as well as Israel's stance on a number of issues related to the Muslim world.

Local reports indicate that authorities arrested dozens of people for participating in the protests, including religious scholars and young men who raised Palestinian flags during the demonstrations.

Observers believe that Israel's interest in Somaliland stems from its strategic location overlooking the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to the Yemeni coast, which grants it significant military and commercial importance. Analysts also point out that Israel has been seeking for years to strengthen its naval presence along the Red Sea coast and vital international shipping lanes.

The Somali president's remarks come at a time of escalating political tensions in the country, following violent clashes in the capital, Mogadishu, in recent days, over the controversy surrounding the extension of the president's term for an additional year, which has added a new dimension to the country's complex political and security landscape.