Somali President Urges Fellow citizens to Reject Israel’s Somaliland Recognition

By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter

Somalia, 8 January 2026 Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, alleging that Tela Viv plans to turn parts of northern Somalia into military bases for foreign operations, which could trigger serious conflicts in the Horn of Africa.

"To the people living in these regions, I say: There are plans to make your areas military bases from which foreign countries will launch attacks, causing conflicts that you have no part in," said President Mohamud.

The President further urged the Somali people to consider the reasons behind Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, questioning Israel’s interest in the northern regions of Somalia.

"Think about it: Israel is not our neighbour, and we’ve never had any economic, cultural, or religious ties. So, why this sudden push for recognition?" he added.

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President Mohamud emphasized that the Somali people now have the opportunity to reject foreign interference, warning that tomorrow may bring worse consequences if Israel’s interests are accepted.

"The threat we face is real, and we must not be misled into accepting it," he added.

President Mohamud called on the Somali people to unite and defend their country, urging them to resist any foreign attempts to interfere in Somalia’s internal affairs.

Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state last year, becoming the first UN member state to do so.

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