Mogadishu (Somalia Today) — Somalia condemned Israeli engagement with Somaliland on Tuesday after the self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia opened what it called an “embassy” in Jerusalem, saying the move violated Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and constitutional order.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it was deeply concerned by “reports of engagement by the Israeli administration with the secessionist administration of the northern region of Somalia outside the framework of the Federal Government of Somalia”.
The statement came a day after Somaliland leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and opened the disputed mission alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Israel recognised Somaliland’s independence claim in December 2025, becoming the first country to do so. Somalia rejected the move and has repeatedly said Somaliland remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia considers any such engagement a violation of its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional order,” the ministry said.
It said Somalia “remains a sovereign and internationally recognised state” and that the federal government was “the sole legitimate authority empowered to represent the country in international relations”.
‘No legal standing’
Somalia said any political or diplomatic engagement with Somaliland that bypasses Mogadishu has no legitimacy.
“The Ministry underscores that any political, diplomatic, or other engagement with the secessionist administration that bypasses the Federal Government of Somalia is inconsistent with international law and carries no legal or political standing,” the statement said.
The wording marked one of Mogadishu’s strongest responses since Israel deepened ties with Somaliland and turned the recognition dispute into a direct diplomatic confrontation involving Jerusalem.
Somaliland authorities rejected Mogadishu’s statement, calling it “hostile and misleading” and saying Irro’s visit to Israel reflected “their right to pursue foreign partnerships.”
The Hargeisa-based administration also accused Somalia of trying to “distort history, deny reality, and mislead the international community”.
It said Somaliland’s engagement with Israel and other partners was based on “national interest, mutual respect, regional security, and economic cooperation”.
“Somaliland will neither seek permission from Mogadishu nor allow threats, propaganda, or diplomatic pressure to dictate its international partnerships,” it said.
Somalia rejects that position and says only the federal government can represent the country in foreign relations.
Appeal to partners
Mogadishu called on international organisations and foreign partners to reject any action that weakens Somalia’s unity.
“Somalia calls upon the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, IGAD, and all international partners to uphold international law, respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemn actions that undermine the unity and stability of the Somali state,” the ministry said.
The appeal came as several Arab and Muslim bodies criticised the Jerusalem move.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the opening of the mission in occupied Jerusalem and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also denounced the move, saying it violated international law and the international consensus on Jerusalem.
Somalia also said it would use all lawful channels to defend its territorial integrity and national unity.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia reserves its sovereign right to take all lawful and necessary measures, through diplomatic, legal, and other appropriate channels, to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity,” the ministry said.
It added that Somalia remained committed to dialogue and regional stability, but warned that it would not tolerate steps that undermine its unity.
“Somalia remains committed to peaceful dialogue, regional stability, and constructive engagement with all partners,” the statement said.
“But it will not accept any action that violates its sovereignty or threatens the unity of the Somali people.”
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but no African Union member state has recognised it as a sovereign state.
The African Union and other regional bodies have long avoided recognising breakaway claims, fearing such moves could fuel instability elsewhere on the continent.
