Tuesday June 16, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government on Tuesday voiced alarm over reports of Israeli contact with North Western State of Somalia, warning that any such engagement with the breakaway administration outside Mogadishu’s authority is a direct affront to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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In a statement released on a public holiday in Somalia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the federal government does not recognize any political, diplomatic or other dealings with North Western State of Somalia that circumvent Mogadishu, describing them as lacking both legal and political legitimacy.
“Somalia remains a sovereign and internationally recognized state, and the Federal Government is the sole legitimate authority empowered to represent the country in international relations,” the ministry said.
The statement said Somalia regards such engagement as a breach of its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and constitutional order.
The ministry urged the United Nations, African Union, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Somalia’s international partners to defend international law, respect Somalia’s sovereignty and denounce any steps that weaken the unity and stability of the Somali state.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia reserves its sovereign right to take all lawful and necessary measures, through diplomatic, legal, and other appropriate channels, to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity,” the ministry said.
Somalia said it remains committed to peaceful dialogue, regional stability and constructive engagement with partners, while making clear it will not accept actions it says undermine its sovereignty or the unity of the Somali people.
The warning comes amid increasing contact between Israel and North Western State of Somalia, including reports of diplomatic meetings and the opening of a North Western State of Somalia mission in Jerusalem.
North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained its own government, security forces and election institutions. Somalia, however, rejects North Western State of Somalia’s claim to statehood and insists the territory remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
