Somalia’s Puntland State Responds to Israel’s Decision to Recognize North Western State of Somalia

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 decision as politically motivated by foreign interests and said Puntland State does not endorse the division of the country.

The stance aligns with the Somali federal government’s sharp condemnation. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia could destabilize the Horn of Africa by importing external conflicts into Somalia’s fragile political environment.

“We have never attacked Israel. We have never created problems for Israel. We don’t want Israel to come to us and bring their problems to us,” Mohamud told Turkish broadcaster TRT World, calling the situation “very sad” and urging respect for international law.

Mogadishu maintains that the move violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The president noted that the international community — including the United Nations, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), East African Community, Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation — has publicly affirmed support for Somalia’s unity.

The coordinated pushback from Puntland State and the federal government underscores a shared concern that unilateral foreign recognition of North Western State of Somalia risks inflaming clan tensions and undermining ongoing reconciliation and state-building efforts. Officials in Garowe and Mogadishu argue that any change to Somalia’s political map should occur through Somali-led dialogue and in line with established regional and international norms.

Israel’s recognition adds a volatile external dimension to already delicate federal–regional dynamics and could test cooperation between Somalia’s central authorities and federal member states. Puntland State’s emphasis on unity, coupled with its pledge to back a functioning federal system, signals an attempt to contain fallout and project institutional cohesion amid heightened diplomatic pressure.

Key points from Tuesday’s reactions:

• Puntland State affirmed support for Somali unity and rejected any foreign-driven fragmentation.
• Minister Mahamud Aydid Dirir said Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia is politically motivated by external interests.
• President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and warned it could export regional conflicts into Somalia.
• Mogadishu highlighted broad international support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, citing positions from the UN, AU, IGAD, EAC, Arab League and OIC.
• Officials fear the decision could inflame clan tensions and derail national reconciliation efforts.

While Somali authorities rally diplomatic backing against the recognition, Puntland State’s message seeks to reinforce a united front at home: that the path forward lies in strengthening federal institutions and resolving political questions through Somali consensus, not external fiat.

For now, both Garowe and Mogadishu are focused on containing potential security and political spillover. Their response frames Israel’s move not only as a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, but as a destabilizing step at a sensitive moment for the wider Horn of Africa.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.