MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s government has strongly condemned the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, describing it as a “serious violation of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.”
The trip, Sa’ar’s first official mission since Israel formally recognized Somaliland on December 26, 2025, has triggered sharp reactions across the Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s Response
In a statement, Somalia’s Foreign Ministry denounced the visit as “unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of a United Nations member state.” Officials warned that Israel’s actions contravene the UN Charter, the African Union’s founding act, and international norms governing relations between sovereign states.
The Visit
Sa’ar met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the presidential palace in Hargeisa, where the two held a joint press conference. The meeting symbolized Israel’s new diplomatic stance toward Somaliland, which has long sought international recognition as an independent state separate from Somalia.
Regional Reaction
The African Union has convened an emergency ministerial meeting to address Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the implications for regional stability. Many African governments remain opposed to Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence, insisting that Somalia’s territorial integrity must be preserved.
Broader Context
Somaliland, a self‑declared republic in the Horn of Africa, has operated with de facto independence since 1991, maintaining its own government, military, and institutions. However, no UN member state had formally recognized it until Israel’s decision in late 2025.
Israel’s move marks a significant diplomatic shift, potentially reshaping alliances in East Africa and raising questions about how other global powers will respond. For Somalia, the recognition represents a direct challenge to its sovereignty and could deepen political tensions in an already fragile region.