Somalia’s federal government has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to Somaliland, calling the move a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as tensions between the two sides escalate.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Somalia said the decision contravenes international law and undermines principles upheld by the United Nations and the African Union, both of which recognize Somalia as a single, unified state.
“The Federal Government of Somalia reaffirms that Somaliland remains an integral part of its territory and rejects any attempts to treat it as a separate entity,” the statement said.
The condemnation follows Israel’s recent appointment of veteran diplomat Michael Lotem as its first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, a move that underscores rapidly expanding ties between Tel Aviv and the breakaway region.
The move comes months after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a decision announced on December 26, 2025, breaking more than three decades of international non-recognition and drawing sharp criticism from Mogadishu.
Somalia warned that such actions risk undermining regional stability and could complicate ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and security in the Horn of Africa.
Mogadishu has consistently opposed Somaliland’s push for independence, insisting the region remains part of Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. It has also cautioned foreign governments against establishing direct ties with authorities in Hargeisa, describing such engagement as a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Somaliland, however, maintains that its claim is historically grounded. It points to its brief independence in June 1960 before voluntarily uniting with the south to form the Somali Republic. Since declaring the restoration of its sovereignty in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, it has sought international recognition, with limited success until Israel’s move.
In February, Israel accepted the credentials of Somaliland’s first ambassador to Tel Aviv, signaling a shift toward formal bilateral relations. Lotem’s appointment marks a further step in that direction, suggesting cooperation could expand into areas such as security, technology, healthcare and agriculture.
Somalia has called on Israel to reverse its decision and urged the international community, including the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union, to support its unity and uphold international law.
The latest developments highlight a deepening diplomatic standoff, with implications for regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
