Diplomatic storm after Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Hargeisa

Jan 06, 2026 — Regional backlash and government responses escalate

Top story

• What happened: Somalia’s federal government formally condemned what it calls an "unauthorized incursion" by Israel’s foreign minister into Hargeisa and said the visit violated Somalia’s sovereignty; the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the Arab League also condemned Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland.
• Why it matters: Multiple regional and African bodies have framed the visit and recognition as a breach of Somalia’s territorial integrity, raising the risk of wider diplomatic and security fallout in the Horn of Africa and adjacent waterways.
• Sources: Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (primary); Also from: AUPSC meeting, Arab League statement.

What else happened

• Elections: Somalia’s Cabinet praised the one-person, one-vote local council elections held in Mogadishu on 25 Dec 2025 and reviewed national security and recent military operations. (Source: Cabinet briefing)
• Security: The Somali National Army carried out a planned operation in Ceel-Cilaan (Gedo region), saying five militants were killed and militant hideouts destroyed. (Source: SNA operation report)
• Foreign policy: Somalia formally reaffirmed adherence to the One-China principle and reiterated support for UN GA Resolution 2758. (Source: Foreign Ministry notice)
• International cooperation: A large Turkish delegation led by Türkiye’s Special Forces commander arrived in Mogadishu to boost security and policing cooperation; they were welcomed at Aden Adde airport. (Source: Turkish delegation arrival)
• Global voices: The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) expressed deep concern about Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, calling for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and urging multilateral solutions. (Source: ITUC statement)
• World news: The King Faisal Prize 2026 laureates will be announced on Jan 7 in Riyadh across five categories, including medicine and science. (Source: Prize announcement)

On the ground

• Somalia’s Cabinet cited the December Mogadishu local elections as "one-person, one-vote," calling the outcome a milestone and briefing ministers on its conduct. (Source: Cabinet briefing)
• Turkish officials were officially welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by senior Somali Police officers ahead of security and policing talks. (Source: Turkish delegation arrival)
• Following the Gedo operation, the SNA said it destroyed militant hideouts and urged the public to keep cooperating with security agencies. (Source: SNA operation report)

Watchlist

• AUPSC communique: the AUPSC indicated a communique will be issued soon after its ministerial meeting — watch for the Council’s formal text and any calls for enforcement measures. (Source: AUPSC meeting)
• Diplomatic moves: reports show Somalia calling on international bodies to reaffirm support for its borders; whether Israel alters its position or other states respond is not clear from these reports. (Sources: Somalia Ministry, Arab League)
• Turkish bilateral talks: the Turkish delegation’s meetings with Somali officials could produce MoUs or security cooperation agreements — follow official updates from Mogadishu. (Source: Turkish delegation arrival)
• King Faisal Prize winners: expect the 2026 laureates announcement on Jan 7 for signals in global academic recognition. (Source: Prize announcement)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.