Saturday July 4, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday restated Somalia’s firm rejection of any diplomatic ties between North Western State of Somalia and Israel, stressing that foreign policy and recognition are powers reserved for the Federal Government of Somalia under the constitution.
Addressing the public in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh said Somalia would not tolerate outside influence on its territory and declared that Israel has “no place on Somali soil.”
He also appealed to the public not to back any initiative that could open the door to foreign relations outside the federal government’s position.
The president said the federal government remains committed to preserving Somalia’s unity and urged meaningful dialogue on the future of relations between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Hassan Sheikh said the matter goes directly to Somalia’s sovereignty and maintained that Israel brings no benefit to the Somali people.
He repeated that North Western State of Somalia is still part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and that decisions on foreign policy, diplomatic ties and recognition rest with the central government.
The president said Somalia has long been burdened by political and social fragmentation and now needs a common vision to tackle security, development and state-building challenges.
He called on Somalis to defend unity and solidarity, saying the federal government will keep working to strengthen state institutions and safeguard national sovereignty.
His comments come as tensions rise over North Western State of Somalia’s reported diplomatic outreach to Israel, including the opening of a North Western State of Somalia embassy in Jerusalem, a step strongly rejected by Somalia’s federal government.
