Arab Parliament Condemns Israeli Interference in Somalia’s Sovereignty at Cairo Conference

CAIRO – A high‑level delegation from the Upper House of Somalia’s Federal Parliament has participated in the 8th Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments, held at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo, where the assembly strongly condemned Israeli interference in Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The conference, which brought together parliamentary leaders from across the Arab world, adopted resolutions affirming the importance of respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, and the United Nations Charter[reference:0]. A specific resolution concerning Somalia strongly condemned Israel’s actions, focusing on what participants described as interference and violations in Arab countries, particularly Somalia, Lebanon, and Syria[reference:1].

Somalia has previously expressed interest in strengthening relations with the Arab Parliament, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud thanking the body for its steadfast support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity[reference:2]. Somali parliamentary delegations have also attended previous sessions of the Union of Arab Parliaments[reference:3].

Arab Parliament: Israeli Actions Violate International Law

In a statement, the Arab Parliament said the actions constitute a violation of international law and the principle of respecting the sovereignty of states. The assembly called for an end to any steps that could undermine regional stability and expressed its full solidarity with Somalia and other Arab countries affected by such interference[reference:4].

The African Union and Arab League have both condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, but Mogadishu remains concerned about potential follow-on moves by other nations[reference:5]. The Arab League has previously rejected Israeli interference in Somalia’s sovereignty, calling any diplomatic engagement with the breakaway region a violation of international law[reference:6].

The conference also emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation among Arab parliaments to defend the interests and sovereignty of Arab League member states with a unified voice.

Somalia’s Participation and Regional Context

Somalia’s delegation was led by representatives from the Upper House, joining their counterparts from across the Arab world to discuss pressing security and sovereignty issues. The conference comes amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025 and the subsequent appointment of an ambassador to the breakaway region.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly cautioned that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could import Middle East tensions into the Horn of Africa, warning that Tel Aviv’s engagement with the breakaway region threatens regional stability[reference:7].

In response to growing diplomatic ties between Somaliland and Israel, the Arab League has repeatedly condemned the rapprochement. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmad Aboul Gheit has described Israel’s appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland as illegal and a serious escalation[reference:8].

Way Forward

The Arab Parliament’s strong condemnation of Israeli interference in Somalia reflects the growing concern among Arab states over the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s defence minister has previously announced that authorities possess “confirmed information” about an Israeli initiative to forcibly move Palestinians from Gaza to Somali soil, a plan that Mogadishu has firmly rejected[reference:9].

The Arab Parliament’s resolutions, while largely symbolic, add to the growing diplomatic pressure on Israel and signal continued Arab support for Somalia’s position that Somaliland remains an integral part of its territory.