Tuesday December 30, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s National Consultative Council (NCC) on Monday strongly rejected and condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, warning that the move poses a serious threat to regional security, including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Middle East.
In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister following a series of meetings in Mogadishu, the council described Israel’s decision as an “illegal step” and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The council reaffirmed Somalia’s longstanding and non-negotiable position on safeguarding its unity and sovereignty, as enshrined in the Provisional Constitution, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Charter of the African Union.
It categorically rejected what it described as Israel’s unlawful recognition of part of Somalia’s northern regions, stating that the move constitutes a clear violation of Somalia’s unity and sovereignty and risks destabilizing the wider region.
The NCC called on all Somalis to demonstrate national unity, awareness, and solidarity, urging citizens to resist any actions or statements that undermine the country’s peace, unity, and independence.
The council also welcomed the recent Banadir Regional local council elections held on December 25, describing them as historic and symbolic of political progress, democratic development, and the gradual return of power to the Somali people. It stressed the need to accelerate similar local council elections in the federal member states as a foundation for political stability, good governance, and democratic consolidation.
In addition, the council agreed to intensify and accelerate the fight against the Khawarij, the term used by the government to refer to Al-Shabaab, with the aim of eradicating terrorism and ensuring lasting security and stability for Somali citizens.
Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from Somalia’s allies, including Türkiye, as well as from countries and organizations across Africa and the Middle East.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition. While it operates as a de facto autonomous political, administrative, and security entity, the Somali federal government continues to regard it as an integral part of the country.
