Somaliland Rejects Somalia’s Statement on Israel Ties as “Misleading”

Somaliland, which has declared itself an independent country, has rejected the Somali federal government’s statement regarding its diplomatic relations with Israel, calling it a “misleading statement.” It emphasized that foreign relations are a matter of its sovereign authority.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Somaliland dismissed Mogadishu’s arguments as “illegal, historically incorrect, and unfounded.” It added that Somalia has no legal right to comment on or interfere in Somaliland’s bilateral relations.

The statement recalled that Somaliland gained independence in June 1960 and was internationally recognized before merging with Somalia later that year. It argued that Somaliland’s sovereignty “does not emanate from or depend on the authorities in Mogadishu.”

Somaliland noted that it re-declared independence in 1991 following the dissolution of a union that “had no legal basis that could have undermined the nationhood of Somaliland.” It said it has administered its own affairs within its internationally recognized borders for more than three decades.

Highlighting its achievements, Somaliland pointed to the building of democratic institutions, the holding of elections, and relative internal stability. It also underscored its role in combating terrorism, fighting piracy, and securing sea lanes in the Horn of Africa. By contrast, the statement criticized Somalia’s reliance on foreign security assistance, describing it as a threat to lasting stability.

Somaliland stressed that its relationship with Israel, like any international partnership, is conducted in accordance with international principles, and political objections will not alter this reality.

Somalia, for its part, has repeatedly denied any diplomatic recognition or relations with Somaliland, insisting that the territory remains part of its sovereign domain. Geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated since Israel announced in late 2025 that it would recognize Somaliland as an independent state.

Although Somaliland has governed itself for more than 30 years, it has lacked broad international recognition. However, in December 2025, Israel became the first United Nations member state to officially recognize Somaliland—a move widely seen as a turning point in regional politics.