Somali President Accuses Israel of Exploiting Somaliland Recognition

• •Somalia's president condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a dark day for the nation.
• •Protests in Somaliland against ties with Israel have led to numerous arrests.
• •The Somali government emphasizes dialogue over military action in the Somaliland dispute.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Israel of exploiting the Somaliland dispute following its recognition of the region as independent in December 2025. He described this recognition as one of the darkest days in Somalia's history, emphasizing that his government seeks peaceful dialogue rather than military confrontation. The president reaffirmed Somalia's stance that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory and condemned Israel's actions as aggressive. Protests have erupted in Somaliland against the ties with Israel, with arrests of demonstrators, including religious scholars. The situation is further complicated by recent violent clashes in Mogadishu, attributed to political tensions following an extension of the president's mandate. The Somali government remains committed to diplomatic efforts to address the issue.