The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned Israel's reported appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the move as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Somali government stated that it would consider diplomatic, political, and legal measures to defend the country's sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognised borders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that Hargeisa and the northwestern region remain an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The ministry stressed that no unilateral action can alter the status of Somali territory. According to the ministry, Israel's actions were undertaken without the consent of the Federal Government of Somalia and constitute a violation of the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.
The Somali government considers the measures null and void, stating that they have no legal effect. The establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of permanent diplomatic missions require the consent of the government exercising sovereignty over the territory, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The ministry reiterated that Hargeisa and the northwestern region remain an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somalia also said the latest developments further reinforce what it described as Israel's unlawful recognition announcement in December 2025. The announcement was previously rejected by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Somali government warned that actions that encourage division and disregard internationally recognised borders risk further escalating tensions in an already fragile region.
The ministry warned that, amid growing security concerns in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, actions that encourage division and disregard internationally recognised borders risk further escalating tensions in an already fragile region. The Somali government called on Israel to immediately reverse the measures and urged all governments and international organisations to reject them and refrain from taking any action that could lend them legitimacy.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that the Federal Government of Somalia reserves the right to take all appropriate diplomatic, political, and legal measures, in accordance with international law, to protect the country's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The Somali government is determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it will take all necessary measures to achieve this goal.
The Federal Government of Somalia's condemnation of Israel's actions highlights the complexities of international relations and the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation remains a sensitive issue, with potential implications for regional stability and global diplomacy. The international community will be watching closely as the situation develops.
Key points
- Somalia condemns Israel's appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- The Somali government considers the measures null and void, stating that they have no legal effect.
- The situation has implications for regional stability and global diplomacy.
