Mogadishu: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday denounced Israel's recognition of Somaliland, accusing Tel Aviv of exploiting the dispute between Mogadishu and the breakaway region. He stated that Israel's recognition of Somaliland marks one of the most significant days in Somalia's history.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Mohamud expressed his concerns during an interview with Dawan TV, a local media station based in Mogadishu. He accused Israel of taking advantage of the long-standing tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. Mohamud emphasized that the Somali government has been committed to resolving the issue with Somaliland through dialogue and persuasion rather than force. He reiterated that this approach, although it has taken over 30 years, was deemed the most appropriate under the circumstances.

President Mohamud further highlighted that Somalia has never established diplomatic ties with Israel, viewing the country as an aggressor against the Palestinian people. The recent recognition of Somaliland by Israel in late December 2025 has added another layer of complexity to the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity. Despite its self-governance, Somaliland has lacked official recognition from the international community. The Somali government firmly refuses to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, considering it an integral part of its territory. Any direct engagement or agreements with Somaliland are viewed by Mogadishu as violations of Somalia's sovereignty and unity.