MOGADISHU, Somalia — Massive demonstrations erupted across Somalia on Tuesday as tens of thousands of citizens united in protest against Israel’s unprecedented recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The controversial diplomatic move has ignited a firestorm of international condemnation and raised concerns about regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
In the capital Mogadishu, protesters filled the national stadium waving Somali flags and chanting slogans rejecting what they perceive as an assault on their nation’s sovereignty. Religious leader Sheikh Mohamud Sheikh Abulbari addressed the crowd, condemning Israel’s action as “unacceptable” given its treatment of Palestinians and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. Similar large-scale protests were documented in Baidoa, Guriel, Dhusamareeb, Lasanod, and Buhoodle, marking the largest public mobilization since Israel’s declaration.
Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a strategic diplomatic mission to Turkey, meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Both leaders delivered strong statements against Israel’s recognition, with Mohamud characterizing it as a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and African Union principles. “This sets a dangerous precedent contrary to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mohamud stated alongside his Turkish counterpart.
Erdogan pledged unwavering support for Somalia’s territorial unity, accusing Israel of attempting to destabilize the already fragile Horn of Africa region. The Turkish president emphasized that preserving Somalia’s integrity remains “a priority for us under all circumstances.”
The diplomatic confrontation reached the United Nations Security Council on Monday, where Somalia’s permanent representative Abukar Dahir Osman warned that Israel’s action “poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.” The Israeli delegation countered by accusing Somalia of applying double standards, noting that other nations have recognized Palestinian statehood.
The recognition controversy occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, which signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January 2024 to lease coastline territory for a naval base in exchange for potential recognition. Turkey has emerged as a key mediator in these disputes while strengthening its military and economic presence in Somalia, including operating a military training base in Mogadishu and planning offshore drilling operations by 2026.
Somaliland, with approximately 3 million inhabitants, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during the country’s civil conflict. Despite maintaining its own government and currency for over three decades, no nation had formally recognized its sovereignty until Israel’s surprise announcement last week.