Somalia’s national council warns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia threatens regional security
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Consultative Council on Monday condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, calling the move an illegal affront to Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to security across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Middle East.
In a communiqué issued after a series of meetings in Mogadishu, the council described Israel’s step as a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and international law, citing the Provisional Constitution as well as the charters of the United Nations and the African Union. The body urged Somalis to close ranks, warning that any actions or rhetoric undermining national unity would be resisted.
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The National Consultative Council — chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and comprising federal and regional leaders — said the recognition of North Western State of Somalia risks destabilizing one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, where Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes connect to global trade. The council called on citizens and institutions to demonstrate “national unity, awareness and solidarity” in defense of Somalia’s sovereignty.
North Western State of Somalia, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto self-governing region but has not been internationally recognized. The federal government in Mogadishu maintains that North Western State of Somalia remains an integral part of Somalia. Israel’s decision on Friday to recognize North Western State of Somalia as a sovereign state prompted swift condemnations from Somalia’s allies, including Türkiye, and drew criticism from several governments and regional organizations across Africa and the Middle East.
The communiqué also spotlighted domestic political and security priorities. The council welcomed the Dec. 25 local council elections in Banadir Region, describing the vote as a historic milestone that signals political progress and the gradual return of power to Somali citizens. It urged federal member states to accelerate their own local council elections to strengthen governance, improve stability and deepen democratic participation.
On security, the council agreed to intensify the campaign against al-Shabaab — referred to by the government as “Khawarij” — with the stated aim of eradicating terrorism and securing lasting safety for communities nationwide. Officials said the stepped-up effort will focus on protecting civilians, reinforcing state institutions and consolidating territorial gains made by federal and allied forces.
The NCC’s sessions in Mogadishu gathered the country’s top leadership and regional counterparts:
- President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
- Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre
- Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama
- Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen
- Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoorqoor)
- Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Guudlawe)
- Northeastern State President Ahmed Aw Ali
- Banadir Regional Governor Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab)
While the council did not detail immediate diplomatic steps, it framed Israel’s move as a challenge not only to Somalia’s sovereignty but to regional order, and signaled it would pursue a coordinated response with allies and multilateral organizations. The statement urged Somalis at home and abroad to remain vigilant, avoid inflaming tensions and support institutions tasked with safeguarding national unity.
The council’s message closed with a call for calm and cohesion amid fast-moving regional dynamics: defend sovereignty, accelerate local democracy, and sustain pressure on extremist groups seeking to exploit uncertainty.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
