Somalia Warns Israel Against Presence in Somaliland

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly opposed any Israeli presence in Somaliland, warning that recognition of the breakaway region by Israel could destabilize the Horn of Africa.

In an exclusive interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT World, Mohamud said, “We have never attacked Israel. We have never created problems for Israel. We don’t want Israel to bring its problems to us.” He described potential Israeli involvement in Somaliland as a “very sad situation” and called for respect for international law.

The Somali leader criticized Israel’s recent actions in Gaza and other parts of the Middle East, calling them “not compatible or convenient” with international law. “It’s very sad that now that has been transferred to Somalia,” he said.

Mohamud emphasized that Somalia has engaged the international community—including the United Nations, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, East African Community, Arab League, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation—which have all publicly supported Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Highlighting Somalia’s history of secessionist challenges in its northern regions, Mohamud stressed that his government has consistently sought peaceful resolutions. “The Somali government has never tried to force, fight, or use diplomatic muscle against these people,” he said.

The president noted that Türkiye has mediated between Somaliland and Somalia, holding talks in 2015 and maintaining a representative in Hargeisa to continue dialogue. Ankara has traditionally supported Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, Mohamud added.

Mohamud warned that an Israeli presence in Somaliland could spark renewed conflict in Somalia and neighboring countries, citing tensions in Yemen, Iran’s hostile stance, and Israel’s recent involvement in the Middle East, including Syria and Lebanon. He highlighted Somalia’s ongoing fight against Daesh and al-Shabaab, calling the region “very volatile.”

“If Israel establishes a proxy territory to attack the interests of other countries, those countries will retaliate in Somaliland and Somalia,” Mohamud said, adding that forcibly relocating Palestinians or establishing an Israeli military base would further escalate tensions—actions that Somalia and its people firmly reject.

Earlier, Mohamud told Al Jazeera that intelligence reports indicate Somaliland has agreed to resettle Palestinians, host an Israeli military base, and join the Abraham Accords in exchange for recognition by Israel.