The federal government of Somalia has denounced what it has described as an unlawful step by Israel to recognize the northern region of Somaliland as a sovereign state.
In a statement released on Friday by the office of the prime minister, Somalia categorically and unequivocally rejects the deliberate attack on its sovereignty and the unlawful step by Israel purporting to recognize the northern region of Somalia.

The Somali government highlighted that the nation is a single, indivisible sovereign state according to the communique. No external actor possesses the authority to alter the country’s territorial configuration. “Any declaration, recognition, or arrangement that seeks to undermine this reality is null and void and without any legal or political effects under the international law.” Read the statement.

The Somali government further warned that matters concerning Somalia’s unity and constitutional order are preserved for the people of Somalia. The federal government noted that illegitimate actions of this nature seriously undermine regional peace and stability and increase political pressure in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Middle East, and other regions. The government of Somalia also raised concerns that such actions hinder efforts made in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

Somalia reiterated its commitment to pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures in accordance with international law to defend its sovereignty and called upon its people to stay united and resolute to defend their nation. The Somalia statement follows a statement released on Friday by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, after signing a joint mutual agreement with the president of Somaliland, Abdirahim Mohammed Abdullahi, who welcomed the move.

Somaliland broke out in 1991 after Somalia fell into wrangles, and for the last 34 years, it has been pushing to be recognized as a sovereign state. The push is said to be one of the key agendas of President Abdullahi since he took office in 2024.