Recognition Move as Strategic Lever

Somalia’s president has publicly framed Israel’s alleged recognition of Somaliland as part of a broader strategic design that, in his view, threatens Somali sovereignty and regional stability. Speaking to Qatar-based Aljazeera television, President Hasan Sheikh Mahmud warned that Israel seeks both to forcibly resettle Palestinians in Somalia and to secure access to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. His remarks mark one of the most explicit accusations by a Somali leader linking Israel’s regional actions to domestic security risks.

Mahmud described Israel’s alleged engagement with Somaliland as abrupt and destabilizing. “Somaliland has claimed separation for a long time, for about 30 years, and has not been recognized by any country,” he said. He added that Somalia had pursued reunification through peaceful means and that Israel’s sudden involvement after “34 years” was “extremely unexpected and very strange.” The president rejected claims that Israel’s move was driven by Somalia’s cooperation agreements with Türkiye, particularly in the energy sector.

“No Historical Role Here”

Mahmud emphasized that Israel has had no established footprint in Somali affairs. “As I have said before, Israel had no previous relationship with Somalia and was never a prominent actor in the region,” he said. He noted that Türkiye, the Arab League, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union, and more than 50 countries have condemned Israel’s step and rejected any recognition of Somaliland.

The president framed the issue not only as a diplomatic challenge but as a calculated disruption. Asked whether Israel’s actions could deepen Somalia’s internal problems, Mahmud pointed to what he called a rare moment of national progress. Somalia, he said, has experienced an “exceptional situation” over the past two years, emerging from what he described as a long-standing “quagmire.” He argued that Israel’s move appeared designed to undermine gains made during this roughly 24-month period of relative stability.

Exporting the Gaza Crisis

Mahmud repeatedly linked Israel’s alleged Somaliland recognition to the Palestinian issue, asserting that Israel was attempting to externalize its problems in Gaza. He said the international community, particularly Arab and African states, must recognize that Israel is “exporting its problem with Palestine and Gaza to Somalia.” He stressed that Israel had not fulfilled “even one percent” of its obligations toward Palestinians, underscoring what he described as a failure of international accountability.

Highlighting the humanitarian context, Mahmud recalled that around 2.4 million Palestinians have lived under blockade in Gaza for more than 18 years. He alleged that Israel is seeking to force Palestinians out of Gaza and that Somalia is being targeted as part of this plan.

Maritime Access and Trade Routes

Beyond demographic concerns, Mahmud warned of maritime implications. He said Israel aims to gain access to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, a development he argued would threaten Somalia and international trade routes. Such access, he suggested, would carry strategic consequences well beyond Somalia’s borders.

Mahmud concluded that Israel harbors no peaceful intentions toward Somalia. “This is an extremely dangerous step,” he said, adding that the world, particularly Arab and Muslim countries, should view it as a serious threat.