Somalia’s President says Israel’s recognition of Somaliland “crossed red line”

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has given an exclusive interview to Al Araby English in which he addressed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as a “serious threat to Somalia’s national security and sovereignty.”

“The so-called Somaliland is the north-western region of Somalia and one of the eight regions of the country,” President Mohamud said. “They claim they have seceded from Somalia. We have been dealing with this issue for more than three decades. We have been trying to achieve unity through peaceful means, but unfortunately now they have overstepped.”

He added that Somaliland leaders had “crossed the red line,” calling the situation “a very serious matter in terms of our national security, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

President Mohamud said the Federal Government of Somalia has “rejected” and “denounced” the agreement, stressing that it has no legal or legitimate basis.

Responding to a question about Israel’s motives, the president said there are what he described as “ultra-nationalist” and “extremist” elements who believe Somaliland can be separated from the rest of Somalia. He did not specify who these groups are. He accused Israel of recognizing Somaliland in order to “pursue its interests” in the region.

According to President Mohamud, Israel has three main objectives behind the recognition. First, he said Israel aims to establish a military base in Somaliland "to gain closer access to the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf." Second, he claimed Somaliland would be willing to accept and accommodate the "relocation of Palestinians." Somaliland has firmly rejects this. Third, he said Somaliland’s leadership has agreed to join the Abraham Accords.

Addressing Somaliland’s grievances, President Mohamud acknowledged claims that Somalia’s former military regime committed massacres against civilians in Somaliland. “They needed apologies, and we did the apology,” he said. He added that several reconciliation meetings were held in hopes of achieving peaceful reunification, but those efforts ultimately proved ineffective. He noted that a small number of what he called “extremist leaders” are now making dangerous decisions. The president also claimed there is no universal support within Somaliland for Israel’s recognition.

Commenting on earlier remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had referred to Somalis in derogatory terms and whose supporters have attacked Somalis, President Mohamud said he does not “agree” with those comments and described them as “not acceptable at all.”

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland triggered widespread diplomatic support for Somalia, while Somaliland authorities have portrayed the move as a major diplomatic breakthrough. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, who is believed to be planning a visit to Tel Aviv in the coming months, has stated that other countries will follow Israel’s lead.

Meanwhile, three of Somalia’s federal member states have condemned Israel’s decision. However, two regional states, Puntland and Jubbaland, have yet to issue official condemnations. On Friday, Puntland’s Minister of Information said Puntland “stands for the unity of Somalia,” adding that “if Somaliland wants to secede, it can only do so on Isaaq territory.” He later clarified in a Facebook post that the remarks reflected his personal views and did not represent Puntland’s official position.

President Mohamud’s remarks come at a time when his administration is facing accusations of election mismanagement, as his term in office nears its end. Tensions between the two sides are expected to flare. Negotiations between them have proven fruitless so far. Several countries, including Turkey and Djibouti, have attempted to mediate, but all talks have collapsed.