The Somali government has strongly opposed the recent move by Israel to recognize the self-declared region of Somaliland, describing it as an infringement on Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. In a statement delivered at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohammad Omar, asserted that this Israeli decision would not only trigger regional instability but also endanger the security situation in the Horn of Africa.
Minister Omar told the Anadolu News Agency that this action taken by Israel in late December has forced Somalia into an intensive diplomatic campaign. “Since then, we have taken a lot of steps diplomatically to garner the support of the international community,” the minister said, noting that countries like Türkiye and major international organizations have shown their support for Somalia’s position.
Mogadishu considers Somaliland to be part of its own territory, and the minister argued that the region’s push for independence is led by limited groups rather than representing the entire community. He warned that “the actions of Israelis are trying to create more difficulty in a region that is already fragmented.”
According to the Somali government, granting separate recognition to Somaliland could create a security vacuum in the region. Minister Omar pointed out that such a vacuum would provide favorable conditions for terrorist groups like al-Shabaab and ISIS. “A unified and stable Somalia is essential to ensure international security,” he stated.
Highlighting that the maritime corridor between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea is vital for global trade, the minister reminded that 30% of global commerce passes through this area. He explained that “the world cannot afford another choke point similar to Hormuz,” warning that any instability would have a significant impact on international shipping and trade.
In the report, the minister praised the role of Türkiye, noting that Ankara’s support for Somalia since 2011 has shifted from humanitarian aid to development and investment. He expressed hope that current energy exploration activities by Turkish drilling vessels off the coast of Somalia would transform the country from an aid-dependent state into a self-sustaining, prosperous nation.
Furthermore, he indicated that Türkiye’s mediation efforts to resolve the misunderstanding between Somalia and Ethiopia are yielding results. He noted that the agreement reached in Ankara on December 11, 2024, helped ease tensions and that discussions would continue on issues that would allow Ethiopia to gain access to commercial ports through Somalia.
In conclusion, Somalia has called on the international community to pay attention to the crisis this violation of sovereignty could create in the region, while vowing to continue fighting for its territorial integrity through diplomatic means.
