Somalia Rejects Somaliland–Israel Engagement, Warns of Measures to Defend National Unity

MOGADISHU, June 16 — Somalia’s federal government on Tuesday strongly opposed reported cooperation between Somaliland and Israel, warning it would take “firm measures” to safeguard the country’s unity and territorial integrity.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Somaliland as a “secessionist group” and said any foreign engagement conducted without the approval of Mogadishu was illegal and had no international standing.

It said Somalia remained committed to defending its sovereignty and national cohesion, stressing that all diplomatic and security relations with foreign partners fall under the authority of the federal government.

The statement comes amid reports of growing ties between Somaliland and Israel, including agreements covering security and economic cooperation, which have sparked political tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.

Somalia has long rejected Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, maintaining that the territory remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The federal government did not specify what “firm measures” it intends to take, but reiterated its commitment to preserving national unity and preventing what it called attempts to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity.

GAROWE ONLINE