Somalia: UNSC and AU rebuke Israel’s Somaliland recognition as nationwide protests erupt

Dec 30, 2025 — Nationwide protests; UNSC rejects Somaliland recognition

Top story

• What happened: The United Nations Security Council overwhelmingly rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland (14 of 15 members condemned the move; the U.S. did not join the condemnation), while large, coordinated protests took place across Somalia in cities including Mogadishu, Baidoa, Marka, Guriceel, Hobyo, Galkayo and Las Anod. (Primary source: emergency UNSC report.)
  Why it matters: The near-unanimous diplomatic rebuke isolates the recognition bid internationally and coincides with broad public mobilization inside Somalia, heightening pressure on external actors and on both Mogadishu and Hargeisa to respond.
  Sources: UNSC: Members overwhelmingly reject Israel’s recognition of Somaliland (primary); African Union: firmly rejects Somaliland independence; Photos: Protests across Somalia.

What else happened

Governance & diplomacy

• UK reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and said it does not recognise Somaliland’s independence, urging dialogue between Mogadishu and Hargeisa. (SONNA — UK statement)
• The United States told the UNSC its policy is unchanged and that it does not recognise Somaliland, stressing support for Somalia’s unity. (SONNA — US at UNSC)
• Denmark spoke at the Security Council to reaffirm “full and strong support” for Somalia’s territorial integrity. (SONNA — Denmark statement)
• Russia reiterated “strong support” for Somalia’s unity and warned against actions that undermine territorial integrity. (SONNA — Russia statement)
• Pakistan delivered a forceful rejection of what it described as Israeli interference and aligned with other delegations opposing recognition. (SONNA — Pakistan statement)

Public mobilisation

• Mass rallies filled Stadium Mogadishu with religious scholars leading crowds that chanted for unity and condemned Israel’s actions. (SONNA — Stadium Mogadishu rally)
• Hobyo, a coastal district in Mudug, saw thousands march and reject what demonstrators called “naked aggression” and foreign attempts to fragment Somalia. (SONNA — Hobyo protest)

On the ground

• Photographs and dispatches show demonstrators across multiple regions waving Somalia’s blue flag and chanting slogans for unity; SONNA describes “rare nationwide solidarity.” (Photos report)
• Stadium Mogadishu drew participants from all 17 Banadir districts; religious scholars and clerics led sermons framing defence of territorial integrity as a moral duty. (Stadium rally)
• Hobyo’s march included women’s groups, youth organisations and elders invoking the town’s maritime heritage while pledging allegiance to the Federal Government. (Hobyo report)

Watchlist

• Follow UNSC and AU statements for any formal resolutions or next steps after the emergency meeting reported on Dec 30. (UNSC report)
• Monitor diplomatic reactions from capitals that spoke at the UNSC (United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Denmark, Pakistan) for policy shifts or coordinated action. (US, UK)
• Watch whether public demonstrations continue to spread beyond the cities already reported (Mogadishu, Baidoa, Marka, Guriceel, Hobyo, Galkayo, Las Anod). (Protests photos)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.