Somalia’s president warns Israel against military interference in Somaliland

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly criticised what he described as Israeli “interference” in Somalia, warning that Israel’s decision to recognise the breakaway region of Somaliland would further destabilise the region.

In an interview with Arab media, President Mohamud said Somalia would never allow the establishment of an Israeli military base in Somaliland and would resist any such attempt.

He warned that a proposed Israeli base could also be used to launch attacks on neighbouring countries, posing a serious threat to regional security.

The Somali president described Israel’s diplomatic approach as irresponsible, misguided and illegal under international law, reiterating Somalia’s firm opposition to any Israeli military presence in the region.

“We will resist to the best of our ability. Of course, we will defend ourselves. That means we will confront any Israeli force that attempts to come here, because we are against it and will never allow it,” he said.

His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following reports in December that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had decided to recognise Somaliland, triggering widespread backlash across the region.

Somaliland is a separatist region of Somalia, located along one of the world’s most vital maritime routes. Its position in the Horn of Africa gives it significant strategic importance.

Israel’s move would make it the first country in the world to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

The decision followed an earlier report by the Associated Press, which revealed that Israeli officials had contacted Somaliland authorities to discuss the possible use of the territory for relocating Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.