Somalia made a call to the Arab countries, urging them to use their relations and diplomatic leverage in a bid to prevent the recognition that Israel granted to Somaliland to turn into a campaign where other countries in the world would follow suit and officially recognize Somaliland, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Ali Mohamed Omar widely known as “Ali Bal’ad announced.
In an interview with the Middle East based Newspaper, ASharq Al-Awsat, State Foreign Minister, Mr. Ali Mohamed Omar, disclosed that Somalia has direct relations with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, noting that Somalia will demonstrate its opposition to the recognition Israel has granted to Somaliland.
He further stated that Somalia is closely following every debate on a new recognition.
The State Foreign Minister has further revealed that Israel, a UN member state, has become the first country to officially recognize Somaliland in December 2025, stating that the two countries exchanged ambassadors, while Somaliland officially inaugurated its first overseas embassy in Jerusalem.
He further noted that Somaliland’s President travelled to Israel on an official working visit. However, he stated that this recognition has not yet sparked a wave of other international recognitions.
He said that the Somali government does not view recognition of Israel merely as a symbolic gesture, rather it believes any external move aimed at altering Somalia’s unity could have major political and security repercussions.
He also noted what he described as Israel’s diplomatic and security engagement with Somaliland including the assistance in training security forces. The Minister of State warned against any attempt by a foreign country to establish military or intelligence presence in Somalia without the Federal Government’s authorization, stating that the militarization of Somaliland issue could pose a threat to Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. Speaking on the position of Arab nations, Ali Mohamed Omar, stated that the swift response from Arab countries regarding the recognition of Israel was significant, as it demonstrated that Israel’s decision did not alter the international and regional consensus on Somalia’s territorial integrity.
However, he noted that Somalia seeks measures that go beyond mere condemnation.
“The aim is not merely to issue a condemnation, but to prevent unilateral recognition from turning into a broader campaign,” said Ali Mohamed Omar, calling on Arab nations to actively leverage their diplomatic ties and influence. He argued that the unity of Somalia is not a matter concerning only Somalia, given that the breakup of Arab and African nation could set a precedent with consequences extending beyond Somalia’s borders
