Saturday July 4, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday reiterated his government’s opposition to any diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Israel, saying foreign policy and recognition remain the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Speaking in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh said Somalia would not allow foreign influence on Somali territory and argued that Israel has “no place on Somali soil.”
The president said the federal government remains committed to the unity of Somalia and called for genuine dialogue on the future of relations between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Hassan Sheikh said the issue directly affects Somalia’s sovereignty and argued that Israel offers no benefit to the Somali people.
He reiterated that Somaliland remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and decisions on foreign policy, diplomatic relations and recognition fall under the authority of the central government.
The president said Somalia has long suffered from political and social fragmentation and now needs a unified vision to address security, development and state-building challenges.
He called on Somalis to preserve unity and solidarity, saying the federal government will continue working to strengthen state institutions and protect national sovereignty.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions over Somaliland’s reported diplomatic engagement with Israel, including the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, a move strongly rejected by Somalia’s federal government.
