MOGADISHU, Somalia — December 29, 2025 Hundreds of residents gathered in Somalia’s capital late Sunday to protest Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region, denouncing the move as an attack on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The demonstration took place at the Taleh (Taleex) junction in Mogadishu’s Hodan district, where protesters waved Somali flags, carried placards, and chanted slogans such as “Somalia is indivisible” and “Somaliland is Somalia.” Witnesses and officials said the rally remained peaceful and ended without violence, though security forces were deployed in large numbers to maintain order.
Participants said the protest was aimed at expressing solidarity with the Federal Government of Somalia and rejecting Israel’s announcement on December 26, in which it became the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has never been recognized by the UN.
“We are here to show our rejection of the violation committed against our country,” one protester told state media. Another demonstrator, Mohamed Abor, said Somalia had never relinquished its territory and would not do so now, stressing that Somalis were ready to make sacrifices to defend their nation.
Banadir Region Youth Chairman Omar Farouq said the demonstration reflected widespread public anger. “Somali youth are united in defending the country’s sovereignty,” he said. Another participant, Burhan Ahmed Roble, noted that residents of Mogadishu had gathered to clearly express their opposition to Israel’s stance.
Somalia’s federal government has dismissed Israel’s recognition as illegal and “null and void,” arguing that it violates international law and established principles protecting the territorial integrity of states. Officials have reiterated that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
The protest comes as Mogadishu intensifies diplomatic efforts to rally international opposition to Israel’s move. The African Union, Arab League, and several governments have reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. Somalia is also set to assume the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in January, a position officials say they will use to raise the issue at the global level.
Israel’s decision has drawn condemnation from several countries in Africa and the Middle East, as well as from Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia, further fueling regional and international debate over the future of Somaliland and Somalia’s territorial integrity.
