Somalia: Federal Govt condemns Somaliland leader's visit to Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories

MOGADISHU, June 18 – Somalia on Thursday condemned a visit by officials from the breakaway region of Somaliland to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, describing the trip as a violation of the country's constitution, international law, and principles of sovereignty.

In a statement issued after the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the government said the visit breached the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia and undermined international norms concerning state sovereignty and the protection of oppressed peoples.

“The Federal Government of Somalia strongly condemns this visit and considers it a clear violation of the Constitution, international law, and principles related to the sovereignty of states and support for oppressed peoples,” the statement said.

Mogadishu has consistently opposed diplomatic contacts and cooperation initiatives between Israel and Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on December 26, 2025, that Israel had recognised Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, making Israel the first and only country to do so.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, but had not been recognised by any United Nations member state before Israel’s decision.

The Somali government maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of the country and says all international agreements and diplomatic initiatives concerning the region fall exclusively under the authority of the federal government in Mogadishu.

The latest condemnation comes amid heightened tensions between Somalia and Israel over growing contacts between Israeli authorities and officials from Somaliland.

GAROWE ONLINE