The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned Israel's decision to appoint an ambassador to Hargeisa, a move that Somalia views as a blatant challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the government expressed its deep concern over Israel's actions, which were taken without the consent of the Somali government.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel's actions are null and void, and have no legal effect. The government emphasized that Hargeisa and the northwestern regions of Somalia are an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and cannot be separated. The statement also highlighted that establishing diplomatic relations and opening permanent diplomatic missions requires the consent of the host country, as stipulated in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The Somali government noted that Israel's actions follow its recognition of Hargeisa as a separate entity in December 2025, a move that was previously rejected by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The government warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region, particularly in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Israel to immediately withdraw from its decision and urged the international community to reject and avoid any actions that could legitimize Israel's move. The Somali government also reserved the right to take all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures to protect its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law.
The government emphasized that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia must be respected and that the unity of the Somali people is not negotiable. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that any unilateral actions that undermine Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be recognized.
The Somali government's stance on the issue has been clear, and it will continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The international community is expected to take a stance on the issue, with the Somali government calling for a strong condemnation of Israel's actions.
The situation remains tense, with Somalia and Israel at odds over the appointment of an Israeli ambassador to Hargeisa. The Somali government's response has been swift and decisive, with a clear message that it will not tolerate any actions that undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Key points
- The Somali government has condemned Israel's appointment of an ambassador to Hargeisa as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- The government has warned that Israel's actions could escalate tensions in the region, particularly in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
- The Somali government has called on Israel to withdraw from its decision and urged the international community to reject and avoid any actions that could legitimize Israel's move.
