Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has criticised Israel for what he called interference in Somalia, arguing that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has heightened instability and undermined the international order.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, he said Somalia would never permit the establishment of an Israeli military base in Somaliland and vowed to confront any such attempt. Mohamud warned that a proposed base could be used to launch attacks on neighbouring countries, further threatening regional security.
His remarks followed widespread regional backlash against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s December decision to recognise Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region in northwestern Somalia. Israel’s move made it the first country to formally recognise Somaliland and came amid reports that Israeli officials had explored potential military or strategic uses of the territory.
There are also unconfirmed reports that Israel is planning to forcibly remove hundreds of Palestinians to Somaliland.
Somalia condemned the recognition as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial unity, a stance supported by many African and Arab leaders who urged Israel to reverse the decision. Mohamud described Israel’s actions as illegal under international law and pledged that Somalia would resist any Israeli military presence.
Somalia can expect little sympathy from the US, whose rogue president has an obsession with Somali immigration to the US.
US DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza
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