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The Arab League has strongly condemned the recent visit by Israel’s foreign minister to Hargeisa, describing it as an illegal and provocative move that violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The visit, which took place on January 6, was widely criticized by Arab states and other international actors who view it as an attempt to legitimize Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia more than three decades ago but remains unrecognized by the international community.
In an official statement, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the visit was part of a broader and unsuccessful effort to push forward Israel’s position on Somaliland outside the internationally accepted framework that recognizes Somalia as a single, unified state. He stressed that any engagement with Somaliland that bypasses Somalia’s federal government is unacceptable and contradicts established international norms and agreements.
Aboul Gheit reaffirmed the Arab League’s long-standing stance against any official or unofficial dealings with separatist entities operating beyond the authority of the Federal Government of Somalia. According to him, such actions represent a clear and serious breach of Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. He warned that these moves not only undermine Somalia’s internal stability but also pose wider risks to peace and security across the region.
The secretary-general cautioned that the visit could further inflame already fragile political tensions within Somalia and spill over into neighboring regions, including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the broader Horn of Africa. These areas are already facing major security, political, and geopolitical challenges, and any additional instability could have far-reaching consequences for regional and international security.
Arab League spokesperson Gamal Rashidi echoed these concerns in a separate statement, noting that the visit was met with strong rejection and condemnation at both the Arab and global levels. He pointed out that the Arab League Council, during a meeting held on December 28, 2025, had clearly stated that any actions aimed at recognizing Somaliland are null, void, and entirely unacceptable. The council emphasized that such steps have no legal or political basis under international law.
Rashidi also raised concerns over reports suggesting broader implications tied to the visit. These include alleged efforts to advance plans related to the displacement of Palestinians, as well as fears that Somali ports could be used to establish foreign military bases. He said such developments would further destabilize the region and threaten the security of key maritime routes that are vital to Arab states and global trade.
The Arab League reiterated its commitment to supporting Somalia politically and technically as it works to safeguard its unity and stability. The organization said it would continue assisting Somali state institutions in countering any actions that could create new areas of conflict, weaken national cohesion, or endanger the strategic security of important Arab waterways.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Despite maintaining its own administration and relative stability, it has not received international recognition as a sovereign state. Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland, followed by the high-profile visit by its foreign minister, has intensified diplomatic tensions across the Horn of Africa. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia, neighboring countries, and regional and multilateral organizations, further complicating an already delicate political landscape.