Tuesday , June 16, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly opposed reports suggesting that Israel is seeking to establish direct relations with Somaliland without engaging through the internationally recognized government in Mogadishu.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Somalia expressed deep concern over reports of contacts between Israeli authorities and the self-declared Somaliland administration in northern Somalia.
The ministry stated that any such engagement would constitute a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and constitutional order.
“Somalia is a sovereign state recognized by the international community, and the Federal Government of Somalia is the only legitimate authority empowered to represent the country in international affairs,” the statement said.
The government emphasized that any political, diplomatic, or other forms of engagement with Somaliland that bypass the Federal Government would be inconsistent with international law and would carry no legal or political legitimacy.
Mogadishu called on international partners to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold international law, and refrain from actions that could undermine the unity and stability of the Somali state.
The Foreign Ministry further affirmed that Somalia reserves the right to pursue all necessary legal, diplomatic, and other appropriate measures to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.
Despite its concerns, Somalia reiterated its commitment to peaceful dialogue, regional stability, and constructive cooperation with international partners, while stressing that it will not accept any action that infringes upon its sovereignty or threatens the unity of the Somali people.
The statement comes amid growing speculation over potential diplomatic engagement between Israel and Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition as a sovereign state.
