IGAD backs Somalia’s integrity as Israel-Somaliland ties grow

MOGADISHU – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has reiterated its backing for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity as diplomatic relations between Israel and Somaliland continue to expand, warning that any steps weakening Somalia’s sovereignty could increase tensions and harm peace and stability across the Horn of Africa.

In a statement, IGAD said it remains firmly committed to Somalia’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, in accordance with its founding treaty, the African Union Constitutive Act and the United Nations Charter. The regional bloc said it had noted reports about the opening of a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem by what it described as Somalia’s northern regions, while reaffirming its long-held stance that Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected.

The recognition of Somaliland by Israel on December 26, 2025, triggered a sharp divide between international allies and regional bodies, with the African Union and IGAD leading the international backlash against the move. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has cautioned that Tel Aviv’s recognition of the self-declared region could import Middle East tensions into the Horn of Africa and warned that an Israeli presence could reignite conflict in parts of Somalia and neighbouring states.

Somaliland’s Growing Ties with Israel

The IGAD statement follows Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” visiting Israel, where he met senior Israeli officials and presided over the opening of Somaliland’s first diplomatic mission in Jerusalem. The visit came after Israel recognised Somaliland in late 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to formally acknowledge the territory as an independent country.

During the visit, Somaliland and Israel signed agreements on cooperation in agriculture, water management, technology, investment, infrastructure and security. Somaliland officials have portrayed the deals as an important advance in their prolonged pursuit of international recognition.

Somaliland has indicated it is prepared to offer Israel rights to valuable mineral deposits in exchange for technology and investment, reflecting the broad scope of the emerging partnership.

Somalia’s Firm Response

The developments have prompted a strong reaction from Somalia’s federal government, which says diplomatic engagement with Somaliland outside the Federal Government’s framework violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somalia has warned Israel that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures over its expanding engagement with Somaliland, calling such contacts a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and constitutional order.

Earlier this week, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged international organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and IGAD, to respect Somalia’s internationally recognised borders and reject actions that could weaken the country’s unity.

Regional and International Implications

The dispute has introduced a new geopolitical layer to the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait has drawn increasing international interest amid growing competition for influence along one of the world’s key maritime routes.

The African Union has strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of Somaliland and called for its immediate revocation, reaffirming that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia. Despite Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, the African Union, United Nations, IGAD and most of the international community continue to recognise Somalia within its internationally accepted borders.

Former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Yasin has argued that the recognition carries no legal weight, noting that it was not passed by the Israeli executive or the Knesset and has no basis in Israel’s own charters or laws.

Way Forward

IGAD’s intervention highlights rising regional concern that the dispute could further complicate political and security conditions in the Horn of Africa as governments seek to maintain stability amid shifting geopolitical alliances and continuing regional conflicts. For Mogadishu, the deepening ties between Israel and Somaliland represent a direct challenge to its sovereignty and a potential source of instability that could draw the region into conflicts not of its own making.