The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has accused Israel of seeking to displace Palestinians to the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland. In an exclusive interview, President Mohamud stated that Israel aims to control strategic waterways in the Horn of Africa and is using Somaliland as a pawn in this agenda.
President Mohamud, currently visiting Turkey, commented on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, claiming the region has agreed to resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza, construct an Israeli base, and join the Abraham Accords. He met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan earlier today.
“Israel’s approach to Somaliland is not for peaceful reasons,” President Mohamud asserted. He further revealed that Israel already had a presence in Somaliland and that the recognition is merely a formalization of existing covert activities. “Israel had no interests or relations with the Horn of Africa, and we did not expect its recognition. We were surprised by its unnecessary intervention and its leap over the issue in an illegitimate manner.”
The Somali President emphasized that the world has condemned and rejected Israel’s actions, which he believes come at a time when Somalia is striving for unity and stability after a prolonged period of internal strife. He also alleged that private companies are operating and investing illicitly in Somaliland.
He further noted that Somaliland has been seeking international recognition for three decades without success. He also claimed that former US President Donald Trump explicitly stated that his country would not approve of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a self-governing entity with its own administration, political system, and security forces. The central government in Mogadishu has been unable to exert control over the region, while Somaliland’s leadership has failed to secure widespread international recognition.
The Somali government vehemently opposes the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, considering it an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It views any direct dealings with Somaliland as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation remains a sensitive and complex issue in the region, with potentially far-reaching consequences for stability and security.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story.
