Egypt Condemns Israel’s Recognition of North Western State of Somalia, FM Abdelatty Tells Somali Counterpart

Egypt condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns of Red Sea destabilization

Friday February 6, 2026

CAIRO — Egypt on Thursday condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia, calling it a violation of international law that infringes on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and risks undermining stability across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered the warning during talks in Cairo with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, according to a readout from Egypt’s foreign ministry. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm support for Somalia’s unity and borders and rejected the establishment of any parallel entities outside internationally recognized legal frameworks.

The ministers’ meeting, held amid heightened regional tensions, focused on bolstering security cooperation and institution-building in Somalia. Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to help strengthen Somali state institutions and enhance their capacity to establish security and stability, particularly in confronting terrorism and extremism. He urged closer coordination of regional and international efforts to address these cross-border threats.

Abdelatty also voiced Egypt’s support for global efforts aimed at securing long-term stability and development in Somalia. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing sufficient and sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) so it can effectively carry out its mandate.

According to the ministry, the two sides discussed wider African security priorities and preparations for an upcoming session of the African Union Peace and Security Council on developments in Somalia, to be held under Egypt’s current chairmanship. They agreed to maintain close coordination bilaterally and through multilateral channels, particularly with the AU Summit next week and Somalia’s membership on the U.N. Security Council shaping regional diplomacy.

The talks also advanced bilateral economic and development ties. Abdelatty noted that the relocation of Egypt’s embassy back to Mogadishu—its first return since 1991—reflects renewed momentum in the relationship. He underscored plans to deepen cooperation across security, trade, infrastructure, electricity, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural and food-processing industries.

Egypt expects a further boost to trade and investment with the imminent opening of a Banque Misr branch in Mogadishu, a step Cairo says will help finance commercial links and support private-sector partnerships between the two countries.

For his part, Ali expressed appreciation for Egypt’s sustained backing, describing relations as historic and fraternal. He welcomed Egypt’s political, development and capacity-building support for Somalia and voiced his government’s desire to intensify cooperation with Cairo to advance security, stability and development in Somalia and the broader region.

The meeting concluded with a pledge to continue consultations at all levels as both countries navigate evolving security dynamics in the Horn of Africa and around the Red Sea. Egyptian officials framed the stance on North Western State of Somalia’s recognition as consistent with Cairo’s long-standing position in support of Somalia’s sovereignty and with broader efforts to uphold regional stability.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.