sovereignty

China backs Somalia’s territorial integrity, denounces North Western State of Somalia–Taiwan ties as Wang Yi postpones Mogadishu stop BEIJING (AX) — China’s foreign minister said Sunday that Beijing supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, underscoring a position that has anchored China’s engagement in the Horn of Africa. Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed the message in a phone call with his Somali counterpart while traveling on his annual New Year tour…

Somali sovereignty fears grow as Israel eyes foothold in Horn of Africa MOGADISHU — Somalia’s defense minister said Sunday the federal government has “confirmed information” about an Israeli plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Somali territory, vowing Mogadishu would not allow any move that compromises the country’s sovereignty. Defense Minister Ahmed Mohamed Fiqi told Al Jazeera Mubasher the government “will not stand idly by” if its territorial integrity is threatened. He described the alleged plan as a…

Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition jolts Somalia’s diplomacy — and tests Africa’s bedrock rule on borders When Israel formally recognized North Western State of Somalia in late December 2025, the move sent a shock wave through Mogadishu and across African diplomatic circles. For Somalia, the decision was more than a breach of protocol: it was a direct challenge to the principle that has underpinned Africa’s post‑colonial stability — that borders cannot be redrawn without the consent of the sovereign state…

Opinion | Sovereignty Snafu: Israel’s Recognition of North Western State of Somalia Tests Somalia — and the Rules-Based Order Israel’s formal recognition of North Western State of Somalia in late December 2025 did more than tweak a diplomatic fault line in the Horn of Africa; it jolted a foundational principle that underpins Africa’s postcolonial settlement. In Mogadishu, the move was read as a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty and an unsettling precedent for how borders — and the norms that protect them — can be…

European leaders on Monday closed ranks around Denmark and Greenland, declaring the Arctic island “belongs to its people” in a joint statement that rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed push to take control of the territory. Trump has repeated in recent weeks that he wants the United States to gain control of Greenland — an idea first floated in 2019 — arguing the move is vital for U.S. military interests and contending Denmark has not done enough to protect the island. Greenland, which has home rule under the…

Somalia condemns Israeli foreign minister’s Hargeisa visit as breach of sovereignty MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s government on Tuesday condemned Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to Hargeisa as an unauthorized incursion and a “serious violation” of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, escalating tensions after Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia last month. Somalia’s Foreign Ministry calls Saar’s visit illegal and “null and void.” Mogadishu urges Israel to cease actions it…

MOGADISHU — Federal ministers and lawmakers from North Western State of Somalia’s regions of Sool, Sanaag and Awdal on Saturday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, pledging full support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Speaking at a news conference in Mogadishu, the officials called the move unacceptable and an attempt to divide Somalia, aligning themselves with the federal government’s position rejecting any action they said undermines the country’s…

Taiwan’s Lai vows to defend sovereignty after China’s ‘Justice Mission 2025’ drills TAIPEI — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pledged to “resolutely defend” the island’s sovereignty and accelerate its defense buildup after China fired rockets toward Taiwan and massed warships and aircraft nearby in sweeping “Justice Mission 2025” military drills. In a New Year’s address delivered from the presidential office and broadcast live, Lai said the international community is watching to see whether Taiwanese people have the resolve to…

Somalia reaffirms support for Yemen’s unity, backs Saudi role and regional security Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 MOGADISHU — Somalia has reiterated “firm and principled” support for the sovereignty, unity, security and territorial integrity of Yemen, rejecting any attempts or interventions that undermine the country’s constitutional legitimacy or state institutions, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said Tuesday. In a statement, the government renewed its backing for Yemen’s internationally recognized authorities and emphasized that…

Somalia’s Public Embrace of Qatar Signals Shifting Alignments in the Gulf–Horn of Africa Nexus DOHA — When Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stepped into the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Monday, he did more than pay a diplomatic courtesy call. In a terse, unequivocal statement — “The Somali government and its people stand in full solidarity with our Qatari brothers. We will not accept any violation of the sovereignty or stability of the State of Qatar” — Mohamud signalled a wider intent: to knit Somalia closer to a Gulf…