By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 8 January 2026 The Office of the Somaliland Presidency has issued a sharp rebuke against Somali religious leaders, accusing them of "exploiting religion" for political purposes in their opposition to the territory's growing diplomatic ties with Israel.
The response followed the 49th session of the Council of Ministers meeting in Hargeisa, chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’ on Wednesday.
A statement from the Office of the Somaliland Presidency, said the Minister of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Abdullahi Bashe Dahir Jama, told the cabinet that the recognition from Israel is a "rightful step" that does not contradict the Islamic faith or principles.
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The minister specifically condemned what he termed "naked interference" by clerics in Somalia, alleging they are using religious rhetoric as a shield for a political agenda directed by the federal government in Mogadishu. He emphasized that Somaliland's scholars have remained steadfast in their support of the nation's quest for international legitimacy.
The Office of the Somaliland Presidency maintained that the territory, which has functioned as a de facto independent democracy for 35 years, has the sole authority to manage its international affairs. The administration rejected calls from the African Union and the Arab League to reverse the decision, stating that it will not allow external actors to dictate its destiny.
While Somalia has labelled the engagements "illegal incursions" and called for an emergency session of the African Union Peace and Security Council, Hargeisa remains resolute in its partnership with Tel Aviv.
