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Somalia Condemns Somaliland’s Move to Establish Diplomatic Presence in Israel
(MENAFN) Somalia has strongly criticized Somaliland after the self-declared breakaway region moved forward with plans to open a diplomatic mission in Israel, describing the step as unlawful and a challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty, according to reports.
In an official statement, authorities in Mogadishu said any unilateral actions taken by Somaliland “carry no legal effect whatsoever, and constitutes an unacceptable provocation to the Arab and Islamic worlds.” The Foreign Ministry specifically denounced what it called the establishment of a “so-called embassy in Jerusalem,” reiterating its rejection of the initiative.
The announcement followed comments by Somaliland’s envoy to Israel, who stated that the territory’s embassy “will be located in Jerusalem” and is expected to open soon. He also indicated that Israel would establish its own diplomatic presence in Hargeysa, the capital of Somaliland.
Israeli officials welcomed the development, with the foreign minister describing it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the two sides. According to statements cited in reports, the move was framed as part of expanding cooperation.
Earlier in the week, Somaliland’s representative formally presented credentials to the Israeli president. Following the meeting, he described the discussions as an “official, private, and highly strategic discussion focused on shared interests.”
Somalia’s political fragmentation dates back to the collapse of its central government in 1991, after which various regions established autonomous administrations. Somaliland declared independence that same year and operates its own governing institutions, though it remains unrecognized internationally. Puntland, another autonomous region, was established later in 1998 and continues to advocate for a federal Somali state rather than full independence.
In recent developments, Israel became the only country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. Diplomatic exchanges have since expanded, including the appointment of representatives between the two sides in recent months.
In an official statement, authorities in Mogadishu said any unilateral actions taken by Somaliland “carry no legal effect whatsoever, and constitutes an unacceptable provocation to the Arab and Islamic worlds.” The Foreign Ministry specifically denounced what it called the establishment of a “so-called embassy in Jerusalem,” reiterating its rejection of the initiative.
The announcement followed comments by Somaliland’s envoy to Israel, who stated that the territory’s embassy “will be located in Jerusalem” and is expected to open soon. He also indicated that Israel would establish its own diplomatic presence in Hargeysa, the capital of Somaliland.
Israeli officials welcomed the development, with the foreign minister describing it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the two sides. According to statements cited in reports, the move was framed as part of expanding cooperation.
Earlier in the week, Somaliland’s representative formally presented credentials to the Israeli president. Following the meeting, he described the discussions as an “official, private, and highly strategic discussion focused on shared interests.”
Somalia’s political fragmentation dates back to the collapse of its central government in 1991, after which various regions established autonomous administrations. Somaliland declared independence that same year and operates its own governing institutions, though it remains unrecognized internationally. Puntland, another autonomous region, was established later in 1998 and continues to advocate for a federal Somali state rather than full independence.
In recent developments, Israel became the only country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. Diplomatic exchanges have since expanded, including the appointment of representatives between the two sides in recent months.
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