Mogadishu (Somalia Today) — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told a joint sitting of parliament on Sunday that his government will pursue “all necessary” diplomatic and legal steps to defend the nation’s unity, branding Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an “unacceptable assault” on Somalia’s sovereignty.
Addressing lawmakers from both houses of the Federal Parliament, the President delivered a fiery condemnation of the move, which marks the first time a UN member state has formally recognised the breakaway region since it declared independence in 1991.
He urged the Somali public to close ranks, describing the recognition as a deliberate attempt to fracture the country at a moment of fragility.
“Netanyahu’s step is unacceptable,” President Mohamud declared, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “It represents a clear assault on the sovereignty, independence, and territorial unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
He stressed that the northern regions—administered by the self-declared government of Somaliland—remain “an inseparable part of Somalia,” warning: “Our position will not change, and we warn against any attempt to divide the country.”
‘A historic breach’
The crisis erupted on December 26, when Israel announced it had formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state. The decision ended Somaliland’s 34-year search for international legitimacy, a goal its leaders have pursued since Somalia’s central government collapsed in 1991.
In its announcement, Israel stated it plans to expand cooperation with Hargeisa across key sectors, including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
Israeli officials described the move as a strategic step to deepen ties with a partner they view as a contributor to regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland’s leadership has long argued that it has earned recognition by building functioning state institutions, holding elections, and delivering relative stability, despite the security challenges plaguing southern and central Somalia.
However, Mogadishu views the move as a violation of international law and the African Union charter, which upholds colonial-era borders.
In his parliamentary address, Hassan Sheikh elevated the dispute from a diplomatic row to a struggle for national survival.
He pledged that the federal government and the people of Somalia would “sacrifice lives and property” to protect national unity, calling for a total mobilisation against what he characterised as an external threat to statehood.
“We must all stand together to confront the danger facing our Somali identity, regional stability, and peace,” he said.
‘A wrong destiny’
The President also issued a direct, personal warning to Somaliland’s leadership. He specifically named President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro, urging him not to steer northern communities toward a perilous future.
“I say to Somaliland’s leaders, led by President Abdirahman Irro: do not move the people of the northern regions in the wrong direction or lead them to the wrong destiny,” Mohamud said. “There is no praiseworthy road there—do not turn to it.”
Turning to the public in Somaliland, Hassan Sheikh framed the Israeli presence not as a partnership, but as an incursion. He appealed to the northern population to reject the deal while they still possess the agency to do so.
“Brothers and sisters in the north, today you have an opportunity and the power to reject an attempt to land in your country,” he warned. “But know that tomorrow you may not have that chance when an enemy lands on your soil and spreads.”
Despite the martial tone, the President insisted that Mogadishu remains open to resolving internal grievances through negotiations rather than unilateral actions.
“I repeat and remind the people of the north and the world that the position of Somalia’s government has not changed and will not change,” he said, calling for “meaningful dialogue” to end the long-running political estrangement between Hargeisa and Mogadishu.
The diplomatic confrontation is now shifting to New York. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, confirmed that the UN Security Council would hold an urgent meeting on Monday, December 29, to discuss the fallout.
The timing places the dispute on a collision course with Somalia’s rising diplomatic profile. According to the Security Council’s official calendar, Somalia is scheduled to assume the council’s rotating presidency in January 2026.
Global backlash widens
Regional and international actors have moved quickly to back Mogadishu, fearing that Israel’s move could trigger a domino effect of secessionist claims across the continent.
The African Union Commission chairperson stated that the bloc “firmly rejects any initiative” aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity.
The AU recalled that Somaliland “remains an integral part” of Somalia, warning that the step sets “a dangerous precedent” for African stability.
The European Union echoed this stance in a statement on December 27, reaffirming “the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity” of Somalia. The EU cited Somalia’s constitution and the UN Charter as the basis for its position, while encouraging renewed dialogue between the two sides.
Diplomatic sources report that resistance is coalescing across the region. Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti have joined Somalia in voicing serious concern, describing the recognition as a threat to regional peace.
The backlash broadened further over the weekend, with more than 20 countries—along with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)—criticising Israel’s move.
Rejection of ‘displacement’
In his speech, Hassan Sheikh also linked the crisis to the war in Gaza, addressing rumours that the recognition deal might involve resettling Palestinians.
He aligned Somalia firmly with the Palestinian cause, rejecting any scenario where the Horn of Africa becomes a solution for displacement in the Middle East.
“We also reject, as a matter of principle, the forced displacement of the Palestinian people,” he said, asserting that Somalia stands with Palestinians facing “ongoing violations.”
He added that Mogadishu wouldn’t allow its territory to be used as a staging ground for “wars and fitna” (strife).
“Somalia will not allow its land to be used for wars and instability,” he said. “We are ready to play a visible role in peace and stability in the region and the world.”
The President concluded with an appeal to international partners to back Somalia’s campaign to reverse the decision.
“I call on friendly countries, brotherly states, and international organisations to support the Somali government and people in diplomatic and legal efforts to defend sovereignty, unity, and national survival,” he said.
