Tuesday December 30, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Large-scale protests erupted across several Somali cities on Tuesday in response to Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move widely condemned as a threat to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
Demonstrations were reported in Mogadishu, Buhoodle, Galkacyo, Guriel, Hudur, Bahdo, Las Anod, Adado, Dhusamareb, Merca, Baidoa, Hobyo, Harardhere, Abudwak, and Borama, according to local officials and witnesses.
The protests were largely peaceful and drew participation from a broad cross-section of society, including religious scholars, intellectuals, women, and youth, reflecting widespread public opposition to the move. Many speakers called for national unity and solidarity in defending Somalia’s independence and territorial integrity.
Several demonstrators also condemned what they described as foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, urging Somalis to stand together to protect national sovereignty and identity.
The protests followed growing international criticism of Israel’s decision. Most members of the United Nations Security Council on Monday criticized the recognition during an emergency meeting in New York, warning that the move could destabilize Somalia and have wider regional repercussions, including implications for Palestinians in Gaza.
The UNSC meeting was convened after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared entity that Somalia considers an integral part of its sovereign territory.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition. While it operates as a de facto autonomous administration, the Somali federal government and most of the international community continue to uphold Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
