Somalia thanks allies as Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition draws international criticism

Thursday January 1, 2026

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said allied countries had shown “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at a critical moment for Somalia’s unity, following Israel’s announcement on Friday recognizing the self-declared republic in the northwest.

“Your enduring partnership has been instrumental in reinforcing our national stability and advancing the cause of peace, security and prosperity for the Somali people,” the ministry said.

Israel’s decision has been criticized by several governments, which argue it violates international law and risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa, a region already strained by conflict, political fragmentation and humanitarian crises. The development comes amid heightened geopolitical competition and fragile security conditions across the region.

Somalia’s federal authorities consider North Western State of Somalia an integral part of the country and have repeatedly rejected any unilateral recognition of the region’s independence. Mogadishu says decisions over sovereignty must come through internationally recognized processes and dialogue within Somalia.

The Foreign Ministry added that Somalia places “great value” on its long-standing diplomatic relationships and said cooperation with partner nations remains central to maintaining peace and stability at both regional and global levels.

Israel has not publicly detailed the legal basis for its recognition. Analysts say the move could complicate relations with African and Arab states, many of which continue to back Somalia’s territorial unity, and may inject new uncertainty into an already delicate regional landscape.

North Western State of Somalia, which declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government, has maintained relative stability, its own security forces and a record of holding democratic elections. Despite those attributes, it has not secured formal international recognition for more than three decades.

Somalia’s response on Wednesday underscored its reliance on international partnerships to navigate the fallout. Officials emphasized the alignment between external backing for Somalia’s territorial integrity and internal efforts to build institutions, stabilize the economy and counter security threats. The ministry framed the current moment as a test of the norms underpinning state sovereignty and nonintervention on the African continent.

While there was no immediate sign of a shift in Somalia’s position or a change in its diplomatic posture, the government’s message to allies was calibrated to dampen escalation and focus attention on established mechanisms for resolving sovereignty disputes. Mogadishu reiterated that any decisions over the country’s territorial configuration must be settled through recognized channels and inclusive dialogue.

What’s at stake:

• State sovereignty: Somalia insists that unilateral recognition undermines core international norms and its constitutional order.
• Regional stability: Critics warn the move could deepen fragmentation in the Horn of Africa and complicate conflict-resolution efforts.
• Diplomatic alignment: Israel’s step may test its ties with states that back Somalia’s unity, potentially reshaping regional partnerships.

For now, Somalia is leaning on broad diplomatic support to reinforce its stance, signaling continuity in its approach even as it faces a rare and consequential challenge to its territorial claims.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.