MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia on Wednesday condemned Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to the breakaway region of Somaliland, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and urging that the move be reversed.
In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the decision by Israel’s foreign ministry amounted to a direct breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized. The federal government in Mogadishu considers it an integral part of its territory and rejects any foreign engagement that implies recognition of statehood or diplomatic autonomy.
Somalia said the Israeli move was “a direct breach” of its sovereignty and contradicted international law, including the U.N. Charter and the foundational principles of the African Union.
The Somali government said it “categorically rejects” any attempt to confer diplomatic or political recognition on any part of its territory outside the authority of the federal government, saying such portrayals of Somaliland as a separate entity lack legal basis and undermine international consensus on Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Mogadishu called on Israel to reconsider and reverse the decision, urging respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.
It also appealed to international and regional organizations – including the United Nations, African Union, League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and European Union – to uphold international law and reject actions it said could legitimize secessionist claims.
The statement said Somalia is working with international partners to strengthen state institutions, expand democratic governance, advance national reconciliation and counter extremism, warning that such diplomatic moves risk destabilizing regional stability and encouraging divisive narratives.
“Such actions risk destabilizing regional progress and emboldening divisive narratives,” the ministry said.
Somalia reiterated its commitment to resolving internal political and territorial disputes through diplomatic, political and legal channels in line with international law, while safeguarding national unity and sovereign rights.
The development underscores the longstanding diplomatic sensitivity surrounding Somaliland, a self-governing region in northern Somalia that has maintained its own political institutions, security forces and currency for decades while seeking international recognition. Somalia maintains that all foreign relations involving Somaliland must be conducted through the federal government in Mogadishu, a position central to its foreign policy.
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