MOGADISHU – The Federal Government of Somalia has issued a stark warning to Israel, stating that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures against Tel Aviv over its expanding engagement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which Mogadishu describes as a direct breach of its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed “profound concern” over continued dealings between the Israeli administration and the Somaliland administration, which operates outside the authority of Somalia’s federal government.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia considers any such engagement a violation of its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional order,” the ministry said. “Somalia remains a sovereign and internationally recognized state, and the Federal Government is the sole legitimate authority empowered to represent the country in international relations.”
The ministry further stated that any political, diplomatic, or other dealings with Somaliland that circumvent the federal government lack legal and political legitimacy and are inconsistent with international law.
Somalia Warns It Will Take ‘Lawful’ Measures
In its sternest warning to date, the government said it retains the right to respond through lawful means to safeguard its national interests.
“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 statement said.
The statement follows Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s state visit to Israel, where he inaugurated Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem and signed a new agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, strengthening ties between Israel and Somaliland.
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
The escalating diplomatic row traces back to December 2025, when Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent sovereign state, a move that was immediately condemned by Mogadishu. Since then, ties between Tel Aviv and Hargeisa have deepened, with Israel formally accepting Somaliland’s inaugural ambassador and Somaliland indicating it is prepared to offer Israel rights to valuable mineral deposits in exchange for technology and investment.
Appeal to International Partners
The ministry specifically called on the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, IGAD, and other international partners to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and condemn actions it said threaten the unity and stability of the Somali state.
The African Union has strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of Somaliland and called for its immediate revocation, reaffirming that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia. The OIC has also condemned the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, while Somalia has previously condemned Israel’s appointment of an ambassador to the breakaway region as a violation of its sovereignty.
Despite its warning, Somalia said it remains committed to dialogue and regional stability.
“Somalia remains committed to peaceful dialogue, regional stability, and constructive engagement with all partners, but it will not accept any action that violates its sovereignty or threatens the unity of the Somali people,” the ministry said.
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