Somalia Condemns Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Warns of Terror Threat

Somalia Condemns Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Warns of Terror Threat

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Somalia has raised serious concerns over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, warning that the move could destabilize the region and provide terrorist groups like Al-Shabab and ISIS (Daesh) opportunities to expand their operations.

In an interview with Arab News, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, said Israel’s decision on December 26, 2025, to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state represents a major setback in Mogadishu’s fight against terrorism. He stressed that the presence of Israel in the region could allow extremist groups to spread ideologies and exploit the situation, undermining regional security.

Jama explained that the political disruption could hinder Somalia’s ongoing military operations against Al-Shabab, creating a vacuum that may attract external terrorist groups to the Horn of Africa. He warned that the implications extend beyond Somalia, potentially affecting the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, the Middle East, and global trade routes.

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The Somali minister also accused Israel of having strategic motives beyond recognition, including the potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza in Somaliland. “This violates the rights of the Palestinian people and undermines the internationally supported two-state solution,” he said.

Somalia’s UN Ambassador, Abukar Dahir Osman, stated that countries including Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Somalia reject any efforts by Israel to relocate Palestinians to northern Somalia.

Israel is the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but has not been recognized internationally. Mogadishu immediately rejected the move, backed by global partners, including Saudi Arabia, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the African Union, and regional bodies.

The Arab League condemned Israel’s action, calling it an attempt to facilitate forced displacement of Palestinians and exploit Somali ports for military purposes. The OIC and other international actors warned of “serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.”

The latest escalation occurred when Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland to formalize diplomatic relations, further inflaming tensions. Jama described the recognition as a “blatant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty” and international law, emphasizing that Somalia will continue to pursue diplomatic avenues to defend its territorial integrity.

Somalia Condemns Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Warns of Terror Threat

ARAB NEWS