MOGADISHU — The Federal Republic of Somalia has strongly condemned the recent announcement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the appointment of a diplomatic representative to the northwestern region of Somalia, describing the move as a direct violation of the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
“The Federal Government of Somalia categorically rejects any attempt to confer diplomatic or political recognition on any part of its territory outside the authority of the Federal Government,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Violation of International Law
The Somali government emphasized that the Israeli step clearly contradicts international law, including the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of the African Union, which unequivocally recognize Somalia as a single, sovereign, unified, and indivisible country within its internationally recognized borders.
“Any initiative that seeks to portray it as a separate entity is without legal basis and undermines the established international consensus,” the statement reads.
Israel Names First Ambassador to Somaliland
The condemnation follows Israel’s appointment of Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to the breakaway region of Somaliland, a controversial move announced by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. Lotem, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, will serve as a non-resident ambassador to Somaliland.
The appointment follows Israel’s controversial recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, which made Israel the first United Nations member state to formally recognize the self-declared republic.
Israel Welcomed Somaliland’s First Ambassador
Prior to Israel’s ambassadorial appointment, Israel formally accepted Somaliland’s inaugural ambassador following its recognition of the breakaway northern territory. Mohamed Hagi, who previously represented Somaliland as its ambassador to Taiwan, officially assumed his new diplomatic position in Israel.
The appointment followed a high-profile visit to Hargeisa by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in early January 2026. The visit marked the first high-level engagement between the two nations following Israel’s landmark decision to recognize Somaliland.
Somaliland Remains Integral Part of Somalia
The Federal Government of Somalia stated that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and that any plan to present it as a separate administration independent of Mogadishu has no legal basis and undermines the existing international consensus.
The Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu reacted with immediate and intense condemnation to Sa’ar’s visit, characterizing it as an “unauthorized incursion” and a “blatant assault” on its national sovereignty. Mogadishu reaffirmed that Hargeisa remains an “integral and inseparable part” of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Regional Progress at Risk
At a time when Somalia is working closely with its international partners to consolidate state institutions, deepen democratic governance, advance national reconciliation, and combat terrorism, the Foreign Ministry warned that such steps risk destabilizing regional progress and emboldening divisive narratives.
The Israeli move has drawn widespread criticism from China, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, the African Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation — all reaffirming their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Security and Military Concerns
Somalia’s defense minister announced that authorities possess “confirmed information” about an Israeli initiative to forcibly move Palestinians from Gaza to Somali soil, affirming that the capital would not allow such a transfer. Defense Minister Ahmed Mohamed Fiqi characterized the purported plan as an immediate danger to the country’s territorial unity.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” conducted a high-level telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in March 2026, discussing regional security amid the expanding conflict between Iran and various Middle Eastern nations.
Intelligence reports indicate that Israel intends to establish a strategic military base in the Somaliland region. This proposed expansion faces severe, direct threats from both Yemeni Houthi rebels and Al-Shabaab militants, who have publicly warned they would consider any Israeli installation a valid military target.
Call for International Action
The Federal Republic of Somalia calls upon the Government of Israel to reconsider and retract this decision, and to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.
Somalia also urges the African Union, the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, and the international community at large to uphold international law and reject any actions that undermine Somalia’s unity or seek to legitimize secessionist claims.
The Federal Republic of Somalia remains steadfast in its determination to protect its national unity and sovereign rights by utilizing all diplomatic, political, and legal avenues in accordance with international law.
Somalia will continue working closely with international partners to consolidate state institutions, deepen democratic governance, advance national reconciliation, and combat terrorism, the statement concluded.
