Diplomatic backlash after Israel recognizes Somaliland

Dec 27, 2025 — Regional and global partners mobilize in response

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• Mogadishu launches an urgent diplomatic campaign. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a series of telephone consultations with East African leaders — including the presidents of Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — to oppose Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and to coordinate a regional response. (Why it matters: Somalia is actively seeking a united regional front to defend its territorial integrity and to frame the recognition as a breach of international law.) Sources: President Hassan Sheikh rallies East African leaders
• Regional blocs and neighbours have formally sided with Somalia. IGAD issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s unity and warned that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland contradicts the UN Charter and regional agreements. (Why it matters: IGAD’s stance reinforces a regional legal and political line that may shape broader international reactions.) Sources: IGAD reaffirms commitment to Somalia’s unity
• Multiple countries and organizations condemned the move. Doha, Kuwait, Jordan, the Arab League and China publicly rejected the recognition; Qatar called it a “dangerous precedent,” the Arab League called it “provocative,” and China offered “firm support” for Somalia’s sovereignty. (Why it matters: broad diplomatic rejection from Gulf, Arab and major-power actors increases international pressure on the recognition’s legitimacy.) Sources: Qatar rejects recognition; Kuwait rejects recognition; Jordan rejects recognition; China reaffirms support

What else happened

• Somali minister condemns Israel’s move: Public Works Minister Ayuub Ismail Yusuf called the recognition a “violation of sovereignty” and urged the public to remain vigilant and united. (Source: Somali Public Works Minister condemns recognition)
• Qatar urges Israel to focus on Palestine: Qatar’s foreign ministry described the recognition as unilateral and urged Israel to instead recognize Palestine and end the Gaza war. (Source: Qatar rejects recognition)
• Arab League labels move “provocative”: League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit warned the recognition could destabilize the Horn of Africa and reiterated solidarity with Somalia. (Source: Arab League condemnation)
• Major-power diplomacy backs Mogadishu: China held urgent consultations with Somalia’s foreign minister and reiterated opposition to secessionism. (Source: China reaffirms support)
• US president signals no change in policy: President Donald Trump said he does not intend to follow Israel in recognizing Somaliland, casting doubt on rapid diplomatic momentum for Hargeisa. (Source: Trump dismisses recognition claims)
• Gulf and Arab states publicly align with Somalia: Kuwait and Jordan released statements formally rejecting the Israeli-Somaliland recognition and affirmed full support for Somalia’s sovereignty. (Sources: Kuwait, Jordan)

On the ground

• Minister Ayuub — identified in reports as a native of Somalia’s north — framed his criticism in personal and national terms and urged Somalis to “remain vigilant and united.” (Source: Public Works Minister condemns recognition)
• Presidential communications show an active, round-the-clock diplomatic push: phones calls with regional heads and appeals to international partners are central to Mogadishu’s response. (Source: President rallies leaders)

Watchlist

• Further diplomatic consultations by President Hassan Sheikh — he says he will extend contacts to more global leaders; watch for new calls or joint statements. (See: President rallies leaders)
• Responses from multilateral organisations — beyond IGAD and the Arab League, monitor any statements from the African Union or UN (IGAD has already issued a firm rejection). (See: IGAD statement)
• US policy signals — President Trump said he does not plan to follow Israel; watch for any White House clarifications or State Department language. (See: Trump dismisses recognition claims)
• Somalia’s stated next steps — Mogadishu says it will pursue “all available avenues under international law”; look for legal or diplomatic filings and coordinated international initiatives. (See: President rallies leaders)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.