Mogadishu — The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned the visit by Israel’s Foreign Minister to Hargeisa, describing it as an unauthorized action that violates Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Hargeisa is an integral and inseparable part of the internationally recognized territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The ministry stressed that any official presence or engagement conducted within Somali territory without the explicit consent of the federal government is illegal, null and void, and carries no legal validity.
The government said the visit constitutes unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign member state of the United Nations and contravenes the principles of international law, including those enshrined in the UN Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. These principles include respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality of states, and non-interference.
Somalia called on Israel to immediately cease actions that undermine the country’s unity and to fully respect its obligations under international law. The statement also urged the United Nations, the African Union, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international partners to reaffirm their principled support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized borders.
While reiterating its commitment to peaceful international engagement and constructive diplomacy, the federal government said it reserves the right to pursue all appropriate diplomatic and legal measures, in line with international law, to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The condemnation follows the Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Hargeisa, where he met Somaliland officials, a move that has heightened diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa. Somalia has rejected Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland, warning that such actions risk destabilizing the region and undermining established international norms.
