Somali president Hassan Shekh Mohamud has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as a blatant violation of international law and a direct assault on Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

In a formal address delivered today to an emergency joint session of the two chambers of parliament and broadcast live to the public, the President said that on 26 December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu committed what he described as the gravest violation against Somali statehood by illegally declaring recognition of the country’s northern regions.

“Benjamin Netanyahu has committed the most serious violation against Somali sovereignty by illegally announcing recognition of our northern regions,” said President Hassan.

He described the move as unacceptable and unlawful, stating that it violates international laws, treaties, and norms.

“This step is absolutely unacceptable and constitutes a naked assault on the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he added.

The President reaffirmed that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia, stressing that no external declaration can alter the country’s borders.

“The northern regions known as Somaliland are an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he said.

Warning of broader consequences, the President said the move threatens both regional and global stability.

“This attempt to fragment Somalia endangers regional and international stability and encourages extremist groups and secessionist movements,” he warned.

Hassan praised the unity shown by Somali leaders and citizens, saying it sends a clear message that Somalia will resist any effort to undermine its statehood.

The President concluded by affirming Somalia’s determination to defend itself through lawful means.

“The Government of Somalia is committed to taking all necessary diplomatic and legal measures to defend its sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized borders,” he said.

Meanwhile, the League of Arab States also strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of the Somaliland region, reaffirming its full solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia in the face of what it described as a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The condemnation came in a statement issued by the Arab League Council at the level of permanent representatives, following an extraordinary session held on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at the request of the Somali government. The meeting was dedicated to examining the implications of Israel’s recognition of the northwestern region of Somalia.

The Council expressed its categorical rejection of any legal or political measures or consequences arising from what it termed an “invalid” recognition, describing the move as a clear breach of international law, the United Nations Charter, and an attempt to undermine regional and international peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

The statement stressed that “Somaliland” is an integral part of the territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia, urging the international community to refrain from any official or semi-official engagement with the region’s authorities outside the framework of Somali sovereignty. It also affirmed the League’s full support for Somalia’s right to defend its territory in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The Council further warned against the use of Somali territory for foreign military or intelligence purposes, or as a platform to threaten the security of other states, calling for legal, diplomatic, and economic measures to confront the Israeli move.

The Arab League called for enhanced Arab–African coordination to prevent any alteration of the existing geopolitical situation in the region. It tasked the General Secretariat with engaging the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations, and the African Union to adopt a firm stance against the recognition, warning that it constitutes a threat to regional and international peace and security.