Tuesday January 6, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s government on Tuesday strongly condemned the visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Hargeisa, calling it an unauthorized incursion and a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Saar’s presence in Hargeisa amounted to unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of Somalia, a sovereign member state of the United Nations.
The ministry said Israel’s actions contravene international law and violate core principles enshrined in the U.N. Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and established norms governing relations between states, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference.
Somalia called on Israel to immediately cease what it described as actions undermining the country’s unity and to fully respect its obligations under international law. The government also urged the United Nations, African Union, League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and international partners to reaffirm, “in clear and unequivocal terms,” their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.
While stressing its commitment to peaceful international engagement and constructive diplomacy, Somalia said it reserves the right to take all appropriate diplomatic and legal measures to safeguard its national unity and territorial integrity.
Saar arrived in Hargeisa on Tuesday and met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, marking the first official visit by an Israeli foreign minister since Israel last month recognized Somaliland as an independent state.
Israel’s decision made it the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. The move was welcomed by Somaliland’s leadership, with President Abdullahi calling it “a historic moment.”
Somalia’s federal government, however, has fiercely rejected the recognition, describing it as an attack on its sovereignty and a breach of international law. Several regional and international actors have also criticized Israel’s decision, warning it risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa.
