Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has met with opposition leaders who have been politically critical of his administration, with discussions centring on what Somali officials describe as Israeli interference affecting Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

Sources close to the meeting said the government and opposition figures agreed to maintain a united stance against any actor seeking to fragment the Somali nation. They reportedly issued a direct condemnation of Israel’s declared move to recognise Somaliland as an independent entity.

The sources added that President Mohamud is expected to address the media shortly. His remarks are expected to focus on reinforcing national unity and rejecting any action perceived as an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty. He is also expected to refer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings relating to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the sources.

Somalia has meanwhile received strong expressions of support from a range of organisations and international partners who have rejected any steps viewed as undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity, following Israel’s announcement regarding Somaliland.

This report is based on information provided by sources close to the meeting. An official statement is expected.