Algeria Accuses Israel of Seeking to Divide Somalia at UN General Assembly

NEW YORK — Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf accused Israel of seeking to divide Somalia during his address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Monday, reiterating Algeria’s opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.

Attaf condemned what he described as Israel’s “efforts to divide Somalia,” alongside criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. The reference to Somalia was brief, but it came amid continued diplomatic tensions over Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland in December 2025.

Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland on 26 December 2025, as reported in FTL Somalia’s coverage of the recognition. The move was welcomed by Somaliland but strongly rejected by Somalia, which regards the territory as part of its sovereign territory.

Gaza, Syria and Lebanon

In his UN address, Attaf also accused Israel of failing to uphold the Gaza ceasefire agreement, saying Palestinian civilians were still being killed despite the truce in effect since October 2025.

He reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish “an independent, fully sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital.” Attaf further condemned Israel’s “continued attacks” in Syria and Lebanon.

Growing Somalia-Algeria Ties

The Algerian statement reflects a broader pattern of deepening relations between Algiers and Mogadishu. In May 2026, Somali Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali-Hosh visited Algeria and delivered a written message from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, expressing “deep gratitude” for Algeria’s support of Somali sovereignty and stability.

Minister Ali-Hosh praised Algeria as a “strategic partner” and a “steadfast supporter of Somalia’s sovereignty and stability,” noting that bilateral relations are “witnessing an advanced stage of cooperation and rapprochement.”

The two countries have also discussed cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector, with Somalia preparing to launch oil and gas exploration and expressing interest in benefiting from Algerian expertise, specifically Sonatrach’s experience.

In September 2026, Somalia’s Minister of Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, met with Algeria’s Ambassador to Somalia, Dr. Mohamed Alim, to discuss strengthening educational cooperation.

Regional Reactions to Israel’s Somaliland Recognition

Attaf’s remarks come as the international community remains divided over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The African Union has rejected the recognition and reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, as detailed in FTL Somalia’s coverage of the AU response.

The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have also condemned the recognition, with the Arab League describing it as legally null and void, as reported in FTL Somalia’s coverage of the Arab League statement.

Somalia has condemned Israel’s appointment of its first ambassador to Somaliland as a “direct violation” of its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The Foreign Ministry stated that “any initiative that seeks to portray it as a separate entity is without legal basis and undermines the established international consensus,” as detailed in FTL Somalia’s coverage of the Somali government’s condemnation.

Intelligence reports have indicated that Israel intends to establish a strategic military base in the Somaliland region, a prospect that faces threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Al-Shabaab militants, who have publicly warned they would consider any Israeli installation a valid military target.

Critical Note

Algeria’s accusation that Israel is seeking to divide Somalia is a significant diplomatic intervention, but it remains a broad assertion without publicly presented evidence. Attaf did not provide details on what he meant by “efforts to divide Somalia” or the specific actions he was referring to.

That said, the context makes the concern understandable. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and its subsequent diplomatic and security engagement with Hargeisa, including the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem and reports of Israeli military training and potential base plans, have raised legitimate questions about Israel’s long-term objectives in the Horn of Africa.

For Somalia, Algeria’s statement is a welcome expression of support from a major North African and Arab state. It reinforces the position that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland lacks international legitimacy and that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain the established international consensus. But declarations at the UN General Assembly do not change the situation on the ground. The challenge for Somalia and its allies is to translate diplomatic support into concrete measures that deter further unilateral actions and reinforce the principle of territorial integrity.