The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia has strongly condemned what it described as an illegal and provocative visit by Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, to the city of Hargeisa, stating that the move constitutes a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a sharply worded statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry reiterated that Hargeisa is an inseparable part of the territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia and said the visit undermines the country’s unity, independence, and internationally recognized borders.

The ministry stressed that any form of official engagement or presence on Somali territory without the explicit authorization of the Federal Government of Somalia is illegal, null and void, and carries no legal effect.

Somalia called on Israel to immediately cease actions that undermine its sovereignty and national unity, warning that such steps risk further diplomatic escalation.

The government also appealed to the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and international partners to clearly reaffirm their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders.

While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful diplomacy and respect for international law, the Federal Government of Somalia stated that it reserves the right to take all necessary legal and diplomatic measures to defend its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.