Somalia condemns Israeli ambassador's appointment to its breakaway region of Somaliland

Somalia on Thursday strongly condemned the appointment of an Israeli ambassador to its breakaway region of Somaliland, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and a clear breach of international law, and stressing that the region remains an integral part of the country.

“This action represents a direct breach of Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It stands in clear contradiction to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the foundational principles of the African Union, both of which unequivocally recognize Somalia as a single, sovereign, and indivisible state within its internationally recognized borders,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It said Somalia categorically rejects any attempt to confer diplomatic or political recognition on any part of its territory outside the authority of the federal government in Mogadishu.

“Any initiative that seeks to portray it as a separate entity is without legal basis and undermines the established international consensus,” the statement reads.

It said the country will continue working closely with international partners to consolidate state institutions, deepen democratic governance, advance national reconciliation, and combat terrorism.

Mogadishu said the Israeli move risks destabilizing regional progress and emboldening divisive narratives.

Somalia also called on Israel to reconsider and reverse this decision and to fully respect Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, urging the international bodies to uphold international law and “reject any actions that undermine Somalia's unity or seek to legitimize secessionist claims."

Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland on Wednesday.

In December 2025, Israel announced mutual recognition with Somaliland, a move strongly rejected by the Somali government and criticized by many countries across the world.

Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government unable to assert control over the region and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.