Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, accusing Tel Aviv of exploiting the long-running dispute between Mogadishu and the breakaway region.
Speaking in an interview with Mogadishu-based Dawan TV on Saturday, Mohamud described Israel’s move as one of the darkest days in Somalia’s history.
“Tel Aviv is taking advantage of the long-standing dispute between Mogadishu and Hargeisa,” he said.
Mohamud said Somalia had weighed two possible approaches to the Somaliland issue, but chose dialogue and persuasion instead of force.
“Though it took more than 30 years, it was the most suitable approach under the circumstances,” he said.
The Somali president also noted that Somalia has never established diplomatic relations with Israel, adding that he views Israel as an aggressor against the Palestinian people.
Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent sovereign state in late December 2025.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received broad international recognition. It operates as a de facto independent administration with its own political, security and governing institutions.
Somalia’s federal government rejects Somaliland’s independence claim, considers the region an integral part of its territory, and says any direct foreign engagement with Hargeisa violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.