MOGADISHU, Somalia — Hundreds of demonstrators converged at Taleh Square in downtown Mogadishu on Thursday night, staging a vigorous protest against Israel’s recent recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. The gathering marked the third such demonstration since Israel’s December 26 announcement, with participants waving Somali flags and chanting patriotic anthems in a powerful display of national solidarity.
Protesters condemned Israel’s diplomatic move as a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They carried placards denouncing foreign interference in the nation’s internal affairs, with demonstrator Said Gedi declaring, ‘We are protesting against the division of our country. This is against the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Somalia.’
The rally occurred just two days after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, where he announced plans to establish an embassy and appoint an ambassador. This development has sparked significant diplomatic tensions across the Horn of Africa region.
In a televised address coinciding with the protests, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vehemently rejected Israel’s decision, emphasizing that ‘the Republic of Somalia is a sovereign and united country. Its territory cannot be divided or ceded by any letter written by Israel or signed by Netanyahu.’
President Mohamud warned that the dispute could potentially undermine Somalia’s political stability, economic recovery, and development if not handled with caution. He urged Somaliland’s leadership to engage in dialogue with the federal government, citing South Sudan’s 2011 independence through political agreement as a precedent for successful secession processes.
The controversy has drawn international attention, with more than 20 predominantly Middle Eastern and African nations, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, rejecting Israel’s recognition. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty characterized the move as a ‘dangerous precedent that threatens regional and international peace and security.’
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Despite maintaining its own institutions and relative stability, it had never gained recognition from any UN member state prior to Israel’s announcement.
The United States has clarified its position, with the State Department affirming continued recognition of ‘the territorial integrity of Somalia, which includes the territory of Somaliland,’ effectively distancing itself from Israel’s diplomatic initiative.