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Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s 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 drawing swift condemnation across capitals. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised allied nations for “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at what it described as a critical…

Malaysia’s Anwar condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns against forced transfer of Palestinians MOGADISHU — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize the self-declared Somali region of North Western State of Somalia, linking the move to what he described as plans for the forced transfer of Palestinians, according to Anadolu Agency. Speaking at a news conference, Anwar said the maneuver violates international law and humanitarian principles.…

Somalia’s president warns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia could inflame Horn of Africa ISTANBUL — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia risks importing Middle East tensions into a “very volatile region,” saying his government will not accept an Israeli presence in the breakaway northern territory. “We have never attacked Israel. We have never created a problem for Israel. We don't want Israel to come to us and bring their problem to…

Somalia staged one of its largest nationwide demonstrations in years on Tuesday as tens of thousands rallied against Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, a move that Mogadishu and more than 20 other countries condemned as an assault on Somalia’s sovereignty. The protests came as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Turkey for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aimed at shoring up diplomatic support. Mass gatherings were reported in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Guriel, Dhusamareeb, Lasanod and Buhoodle,…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia could destabilize the Horn of Africa and carry implications for Palestinians in Gaza, calling the move “unexpected and strange” after three decades of nonrecognition by any country. In an interview with Al Jazeera from Istanbul, Türkiye, on Tuesday, Mohamud said Somali intelligence indicates North Western State of Somalia agreed to three Israeli conditions in exchange for recognition: accepting the resettlement of…

UK rejects North Western State of Somalia recognition, reaffirms Somalia’s unity after Israel move LONDON — The United Kingdom on Wednesday reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity, following Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. In a statement issued Tuesday, the British government made clear it does not recognize North Western State of Somalia’s independence and said any change to the region’s status must come…

African bloc on UN Security Council condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, urges reversal UNITED NATIONS — The three African members of the UN Security Council — Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia — joined by Guyana, sharply condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, calling the move a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. In a joint statement delivered at an emergency Security Council session on Monday, Somalia’s…

BEIJING — China on Monday condemned Israel’s formal recognition of North Western State of Somalia and a reported agreement to establish diplomatic relations with the territory, calling the move a challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing “firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity” and “opposes any moves that undermine Somali territorial integrity.” He cited the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and…

Somali cities erupt in protests after Israel recognizes North Western State of Somalia MOGADISHU — Large-scale demonstrations swept across Somalia on Tuesday after Israel announced it would recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move widely condemned by Somalis as a threat to the country’s unity and territorial integrity. Protesters gathered in the capital and regional hubs, chanting against what they called a bid to divide the nation and pledging to defend Somalia’s sovereignty. Rallies were…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Large-scale protests erupted across Somalia on Tuesday after Israel announced it would recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move widely denounced as a threat to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Demonstrations drew crowds in cities and towns spanning multiple regions, with local officials and witnesses reporting peaceful gatherings that brought together religious scholars, intellectuals, women and youth. Protesters chanted against any attempt to divide the country…