Mogadishu – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has revealed what he claims are the conditions set by Israel for recognizing the breakaway region of Somaliland. In an exclusive interview, the President stated that no country has recognized Somaliland’s secession, a situation that has persisted for three decades.
President Mohamud asserted that his government is committed to unifying the country peacefully. He highlighted the unexpected nature of Israel’s recent move to recognize Somaliland, claiming it followed three decades of the region’s autonomous status.
According to President Mohamud, intelligence reports suggest that Somaliland accepted three specific conditions from Israel in exchange for recognition: the resettlement of Palestinian refugees, the establishment of an Israeli military base on the Gulf of Aden coast, and Somaliland’s accession to the Abraham Accords.
The President further stated that intelligence indicated a pre-existing Israeli presence in Somaliland. He characterized Israel’s recognition as a mere formalization of what had already been occurring covertly.
In related news, a large demonstration took place in Mogadishu, condemning Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland. Protesters waved Somali flags and carried banners affirming the unity of Somalia and rejecting any unilateral actions that undermine its sovereignty. Speakers at the event emphasized that the public demonstrations were in support of the official government position. Participants viewed the Israeli action as a flagrant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Government officials and representatives from various segments of Somali society participated in the demonstration.
Last week, Israel announced its formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, potentially becoming the only nation to do so. Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent entity since declaring its secession from Somalia in 1991, with its own administration, political system, and security forces. The central government in Mogadishu has been unable to exert control over the region or secure its reunification.
Following Israel’s announcement, Somalia reaffirmed its absolute and non-negotiable commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, rejecting the move as unlawful.
