Somalia

North Western State of Somalia Denies Allegations of Hosting Israeli Military Base North Western State of Somalia has officially refuted claims that it agreed to host an Israeli military base or resettle Palestinians in exchange for Israel recognizing its independence. The controversy arose after Israeli recognition sparked protests and accusations from Somalia. North Western State of Somalia firmly rejects claims of accepting Palestinians or hosting a base. Somali President alleges conditions linked to Israeli…

Somalia warns Israel against presence in North Western State of Somalia, citing risk of regional spillover MOGADISHU — Somalia’s president warned Tuesday that any Israeli move to recognize or establish a presence in North Western State of Somalia would export Middle East conflicts to the Horn of Africa, urging respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and international law. “We have never attacked Israel. We have never created a problem for Israel. We don’t want Israel to come to us and bring their problem to us,” President Hassan…

AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State on Tuesday issued its first public response to Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, rejecting any move that further fragments Somalia and reaffirming its commitment to a unified federal system. Puntland State Minister of Information Mahamud Aydid Dirir said the northeastern federal member state stands by the principles on which it was founded and will continue to support the development of an effective Somali federal government. He framed Israel’s…

ISTANBUL — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s unexpected recognition of North Western State of Somalia risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa and could be tied to attempts to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, escalating tensions across a strategic maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday from Istanbul, where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mohamud said Israel’s move was “not merely a diplomatic gesture but a cover for…

UN Reaffirms Somalia's Sovereignty Amidst Israeli Recognition of North Western State of Somalia The United Nations held an emergency session to address Israel's recent decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. Key figures emphasized Somalia's territorial integrity, expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the move. Khaled Khiari highlighted the UN's respect for Somalia's sovereignty as reaffirmed in Resolution 2809. Somalia's UN envoy condemned Israel's recognition…

Somalia's Stance on Israeli Presence in North Western State of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has expressed strong opposition to any Israeli presence in North Western State of Somalia. He warns that such a recognition could introduce regional conflicts into the Horn of Africa. Somalia government opposes Israeli recognition of North Western State of Somalia. President Mohamud highlights concerns over regional conflict spread. Emphasizes respect for international law and sovereignty.…

Somalia’s President to Visit Saudi Arabia Amid Shifting Alliances MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to make an official visit to Saudi Arabia later this week, officials said, a trip aimed at consolidating ties with Riyadh as Mogadishu recalibrates its regional alliances across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Somali officials said the agenda will center on strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation and security coordination, with both governments looking to formalize a…

Thursday, January 1, 2026 Somalia takes helm of UN Security Council for January 2026, signaling diplomatic resurgence MOGADISHU — Somalia has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for January 2026, a milestone that underscores the country’s diplomatic recovery and growing international standing. The presidency places Mogadishu at the forefront of the UN’s most powerful body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. Diplomatic observers view the moment as…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said allied countries had shown “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at a critical moment for…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move drawing swift condemnation across capitals. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised allied nations for “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at what it described as a critical…