Israel’s Somaliland Move Sparks Outcry

08 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

Diplomatic shockwave over Israel’s move on “Somaliland”

Somalia’s federal government condemned an “unauthorized incursion” by Israel’s foreign minister into Hargeisa and denounced what it describes as a move toward recognising a separate “Republic of Somaliland.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the visit illegal and demanded Israel cease actions that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty. (Source: Federal Republic of Somalia condemnation)
The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) convened and “strongly condemned” the unilateral recognition, calling for its revocation and saying a communique would follow; an emergency AU session was held at Somalia’s request. (Also from: AUPSC statement)
In Mogadishu, religious scholars led large protests near the Unknown Soldier Monument rejecting any attempt to divide Somalia and calling for national unity and Somali-led dialogue. (Also from: Report on the protest)
Why it matters: multiple international and domestic actors — the federal government, the AU, and public demonstrators — are aligned in rejecting actions they say could alter Somalia’s territorial integrity, raising diplomatic and regional security stakes. (Primary: Federal Republic of Somalia; also: AUPSC, Mogadishu protest)

Arab League strongly condemned the Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Hargeisa, calling it an attempt to legitimise secession and warning of risks to regional peace and maritime security. (Arab League)
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) expressed deep concern about the reported recognition, urging Israel to reconsider and calling on states to avoid unilateral actions that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty. (ITUC statement)
Somalia reiterated adherence to the One‑China principle, restating foreign policy stances on international sovereignty and non‑interference. (Foreign Ministry)

Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi concluded a training programme for the Gorgor Special Forces at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy, highlighting skills demonstrations and a focus on counter‑terrorism roles. (Defence Ministry)
Turkey stepped up security engagement: its ambassador met with Somalia’s defence minister to discuss defence cooperation, and a large Turkish delegation — including Türkiye Special Forces leadership — arrived in Mogadishu for high‑level meetings. (Ambassador meeting; Turkish delegation arrival)

Large crowds joined religious scholars at a Mogadishu rally near the Unknown Soldier Monument, where speakers warned against foreign interference and reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial unity. (Report)
Graduating Gorgor Special Forces demonstrated weapons handling, tactics, and self‑defence at their TURKSOM academy ceremony attended by Somalia’s defence leadership and Turkish military representatives. (Training ceremony)
Turkish officials arriving in Mogadishu were officially welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by senior Somali Police Force officers, signalling close security and policing cooperation. (Turkish delegation)

AU communiqué: the AUPSC said a communique will be issued soon — watch for its language and any calls for action or sanctions. (AUPSC)
Somalia’s next diplomatic steps: the federal government said it reserves the right to take diplomatic and legal measures — look for formal démarches, legal filings, or new sanctions requests. (Federal statement)
Outcomes of Turkey‑Somalia talks: the Turkish delegation is due to hold high‑level meetings — monitor announcements on training, policing cooperation, and force capacity building. (Turkish delegation)
Operational impact: the Defence Minister urged newly trained Gorgor units to play a decisive role in counter‑terrorism — watch for deployments or new SNA operations citing the graduates. (Defence training)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.