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Somalia has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move a clear violation of international law and long-standing global norms. Somali officials say the recognition undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and sets a dangerous precedent that ignores the country’s territorial integrity.
Speaking to reporters in Ankara on the sidelines of the Türkiye-Africa Strategic Dialogue program organized by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Academy, Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moallim Mohamud, said Israel’s decision reflects a broader pattern of disregarding international rules. He stressed that Somalia does not accept the move and considers it legally invalid.
According to the minister, recognizing Somaliland contradicts established international principles that protect the territorial unity of sovereign states. He argued that such actions weaken global respect for international law and encourage unlawful attempts to redraw borders without the consent of recognized governments or the people as a whole.
Israel announced on December 26 last year that it had formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign country, becoming the first and only nation to do so. The announcement triggered strong reactions across the region, with Somalia firmly rejecting the decision and reaffirming that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Somali state.
Mohamud warned that attempts to divide Somalia by supporting breakaway regions would not succeed. He emphasized that the Somali government is committed to defending the country’s unity and will not allow any external actor to legitimize what it considers an illegal separation. He added that Somalia continues to receive strong backing from friendly nations that respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In this context, the minister highlighted Türkiye as one of Somalia’s most reliable partners. He praised Ankara’s consistent political, diplomatic, and security support, noting that Türkiye has clearly stood by Somalia’s unity while also contributing to its stability and development.
Mohamud also spoke about the growing security cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye, particularly in the fight against terrorism. He referred to the defense agreement signed between the two countries in 2024, which has strengthened Somalia’s capacity to combat the militant group al-Shabaab.
Under this agreement, Türkiye has provided Somalia with modern military equipment, including armed drones and fighter jets, to support counterterrorism operations. The minister said the presence of these aircraft has had a visible and psychological impact, noting that Somali citizens have seen and heard the jets as they operate in the country’s airspace.
He described this development as a sign of Somalia’s improving security capabilities and a boost to public confidence in the government’s efforts to restore peace. According to Mohamud, the support from Türkiye is helping Somalia take concrete steps toward defeating terrorism and stabilizing the country.
Beyond military cooperation, Türkiye has maintained a strong and long-term presence in Somalia through humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development, education initiatives, and institutional support. Turkish-funded projects have played a role in rebuilding key facilities and improving access to services for ordinary Somalis.
Türkiye has also helped Somalia stay connected to the rest of the world through regular Turkish Airlines flights linking Mogadishu to Istanbul and other major international destinations. These air links have improved trade, travel, and diplomatic engagement, further strengthening ties between the two countries.
Somalia’s leadership continues to stress that while it welcomes international partnerships, any engagement must respect its sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized borders. Officials insist that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through cooperation that upholds international law rather than undermines it.