Thousands of Somalis poured onto streets nationwide on Tuesday, protesting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a breakaway region from northern Somalia.
Demonstrators called the decision a direct assault on Somalia’s sovereignty, warning it threatens national unity and regional stability.
In Baaydhabo, capital of the South West State, crowds waved Somali flags and chanted slogans condemning Israel’s move.
Similar protests erupted in Hobyo, where marchers described the recognition as a grave danger to Somalia’s territorial integrity.
In Xudur, the Bakool regional capital, demonstrators labelled the decision open interference in Somalia’s independence and internal affairs.
Crowds also gathered in Guriceel and Laascaanood, holding banners rejecting any attempt to legitimise Somaliland’s separation.
Across cities and towns, protesters carried placards urging the international community to defend Somalia’s unity and uphold international law.
Many demonstrators said Israel’s recognition violated established legal norms and demanded it be immediately revoked.
In Mogadishu, hundreds assembled at the capital’s main stadium for one of the largest demonstrations.
The crowd included religious scholars, community elders, folk poets, and students in school uniforms, reflecting broad public opposition.
Religious scholar Sheikh Shafi accused Israel of undermining Somalia’s unity, drawing parallels with its treatment of Palestinians.
He said Israel’s actions exposed oppression, arguing its own legitimacy remains contested on the international stage.
Sheikh Mahmud Bari told the crowd Somalis would never accept Israeli presence on their land.
Community elder Haad appealed for reconciliation, saying Somalis in the north and south must live together peacefully.
Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, triggering widespread international backlash.
Türkiye and several African and Middle Eastern countries condemned the move as unlawful and destabilising.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has never gained international recognition.
Mogadishu considers Somaliland an integral part of Somalia and rejects any direct engagement as a violation of sovereignty.