Somalia Brief: AU, Arab League and streets reject Israeli move

Jan 09, 2026 — AU and Arab League condemn Israeli 'Somaliland' recognition

Top story

• What happened: The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the Arab League formally condemned Israel’s reported recognition of a so‑called “Republic of Somaliland,” calling for its revocation; large protests by religious scholars and crowds took place in Mogadishu rejecting the move. (Primary: AUPSC)
• Why it matters: Multiple regional and continental institutions have publicly rejected an external action that Somali authorities and civic leaders say threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and risks escalating regional political tensions.
• Sources: Primary — AUPSC communique (SONNA): https://sonna.so/en/the-aupsc-strongly-condemns-in-the-strongest-terms-the-recognition-of-the-so-called-republic-of-somaliland-by-israel/; Also from — Arab League statement: https://sonna.so/en/arab-league-condemns-israeli-foreign-ministers-visit-to-hargeisa/; Mogadishu protest report: https://sonna.so/en/somali-scholars-lead-mogadishu-protest-against-israeli-recognition-of-somaliland/

What else happened

• Humanitarian oversight: The Federal Government clarified that commodities linked to recent reports remain under World Food Programme custody and said the contested WFP warehouse sits inside the Mogadishu Port area while a technical inter‑agency review continues. (SONNA) — Read
• Airspace probe: Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency launched an investigation into reports that a fugitive political figure used Somali airspace and airports, warning that any confirmed facilitation would breach sovereignty and bilateral arrangements (the report names Aidarous Al‑Zoubaidi). (SONNA) — Read
• Security training: Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi concluded a training cycle for Gorgor special forces at the TURKSOM Academy, praising readiness and urging troops to uphold national duty in counter‑terror operations. (SONNA) — Read
• Local morale boost: Middle Shabelle’s governor visited Wargaadhi and handed livestock to government forces as part of a morale tour, urging unity against “Khawaarij” militants. (SONNA) — Read
• Roads and investment: Banadir Governor and Mogadishu Mayor Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab) laid the foundation stone for Jamhuuriya Road in Karaan District; the dual‑carriageway project totals about 7 km and is expected to finish in six months. (SONNA) — Read
• Diplomacy — China and Turkey: Chinese FM Wang Yi will visit Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho Jan. 7–12 as part of China‑Africa Year events (source: Xinhua cited by SONNA); separately, Turkey’s ambassador met Defence Minister Fiqi to discuss security cooperation. (SONNA) — China visit, Turkey meeting

On the ground

• Large crowds and religious scholars gathered near the Unknown Soldier Monument in Mogadishu to protest against Israel’s reported recognition of “Somaliland,” rejecting any attempt to divide the country. (SONNA)
• In Middle Shabelle, the governor personally handed livestock to frontline units in Wargaadhi as a morale gesture and public show of regional support for government forces. (SONNA)
• Graduating Gorgor special forces demonstrated weapons handling, combat tactics and self‑defence skills at their TURKSOM Academy ceremony attended by senior military and diplomatic figures. (SONNA)
• Officials and community members attended the Jamhuuriya Road groundbreaking in Karaan, which the mayor framed as returning tax revenues to public infrastructure. (SONNA)

Watchlist

• Follow the AUPSC communique and any formal calls for revocation or diplomatic steps after the council’s condemnation. (SONNA)
• Await findings of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency probe into alleged misuse of Somalia’s airspace and any government actions that follow. (SONNA)
• Look for the outcome of the Federal Government’s technical inter‑agency review into the WFP warehouse and any updates on humanitarian custodianship. (SONNA)
• Monitor progress on Jamhuuriya Road construction and the reported six‑month timeline for completion. (SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.