Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland in December 2025, was one of the darkest days of Somalia’s history, noting that the Somali Federal Government chose dialogue and persuasion over the use of military force. In an interview he gave to Dawan TV, the Somali President asserted that Somalia faced with two options, which was to use a military force or negotiate to resolve the dispute with Somaliland. He stated, “We weighted those two options and ultimately chose the dialogue and persuasion, although it took more than 30 years. It was the most appropriate path for the existing circumstances.” He also stated that Somali and Israel never had a diplomatic relations or official cooperation, although Somalia recognizes the existence of the state of Israel- as it is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations. He said, “We cannot deny the existence of the state of Israel as a country, but we do not have relationship or cooperation. Somalia views Israel as a power of invasion and aggression against the Palestinian people.” He disclosed that Somalia still supports a two-state solution to the Palestinian problem, which he explicitly stated that Somalia shares the same notion with most of the world’s governments.” Speaking about the recognition of Somaliland by the state of Israel, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, revealed that geopolitical changes in the region and the wars with Israel have caused Tel Aviv to have strategic interest in parts of Somalia. He further disclosed that Israel has approached Somalia for engagements for several times, but Somali government has always refused due to its religious principles, humanitarian values, and its political position. He added, “They found desperate people who have been searching for recognition for a long time, and then they took advantage of it. This is a strategic mistake that Somaliland has committed, and it may put Somalia in unnecessary situations.” Finally, the President revealed that Israel’s move will not lead Somaliland to full international recognition. He concluded, “I believe that this is not a real recognition but a trap set for Somaliland. It has been looking for recognition for thirty years, and I do not think will get it.”
