ADDIS ABABA — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has outlined a comprehensive set of political and legal actions designed to counter what he termed Israel‘s “illegal” recognition of the secessionist Somaliland administration.
In an interview with the newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the Somali president stated that Mogadishu is collaborating with multiple nations, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, to protect Somalia’s territorial integrity and maintain regional stability.
Three-Pronged Response
The head of state detailed three simultaneous measures being implemented by his administration:
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Diplomatic Offensive: An urgent initiative launched across the United Nations, African Union, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The President highlighted that Somalia has successfully secured a special session at the UN Security Council to address the issue.
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Unified Stance: Establishing a consensus among Arab, Islamic, and African nations. President Mohamud specifically praised Riyadh, noting it was among the first capitals to clearly oppose Israel’s action.
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Internal Dialogue: Enhancing domestic political processes to address challenges without foreign intervention.
Strategic Threat to the Red Sea
President Mohamud cautioned that unless the recognition, reportedly announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is swiftly reversed, it could establish a perilous precedent for separatist movements throughout Africa and the Arab region, citing vulnerable nations like Sudan and Yemen.
He further warned that this situation threatens the security of the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandab passage, both of which are vital for international commerce and energy security.
The President accused Israel of pursuing objectives beyond mere political recognition, claiming it intends to establish a strategic military presence in the Horn of Africa to extend its control over these critical maritime corridors.
“Somalia will not permit its territory to become a battleground for foreign power rivalry,” he affirmed, pledging to resolutely protect the nation’s political sovereignty.
