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Egypt has expanded and refocused its military mission in Somalia after Israel recognized the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia, elevating the protection of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government to a top priority, according to sources briefed on Cairo’s policy. The move underscores Egypt’s fears that Israel’s recognition could give it a foothold in the Horn of Africa—a region Cairo sees as vital to its national security—and enable closer alignment with Ethiopia at a time of fraught disputes over Nile…

Israel’s formal recognition of North Western State of Somalia has thrust the breakaway territory into the international spotlight, jolting the Horn of Africa and the Middle East with a new flashpoint that blends diplomacy, security and great-power rivalry. The move marks the first international recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent nation and opens the door to cooperation that could reshape regional dynamics — from the Red Sea to the Gulf states. For Israel, which is contending with Iran-backed…

North Western State of Somalia’s ‘island of peace’ narrative falters as leadership courts Israel and conflict deepens in SSC For more than three decades, North Western State of Somalia presented itself as an island of peace in a turbulent Horn of Africa — a self-governing enclave whose stability underwrote a drive for international recognition. That story, fused into a powerful claim of moral distinction and political maturity, is now under its most serious strain. As North Western State of Somalia’s leaders explore closer…

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Türkiye on Saturday reiterated its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejected Israel’s move to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, using a high-level gathering of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to rally diplomatic backing for Mogadishu. Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklıkaya delivered Ankara’s message while chairing the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, convened in Jeddah to address Israel’s…

North Western State of Somalia’s Irro urges African, Arab states to recognize region after Israel’s move Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Tuesday called on African and Arab countries to recognize North Western State of Somalia, arguing the region has earned international acceptance and should no longer be overlooked after Israel’s decision to formally recognize it. Speaking at a consultation meeting with former foreign ministers at the presidential palace in…

Israel’s unilateral recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state has jolted the Horn of Africa, triggering swift international pushback and raising fresh concerns about maritime security, legal precedent and regional stability. In Somalia, the move sparked immediate street protests. Abroad, governments across Africa, Europe and the Middle East — joined by the United States — moved quickly to restate Somalia’s territorial integrity. The African Union led with a reaffirmation of Somalia’s unity, a line…

Somalia asks Saudi Arabia to act against North Western State of Somalia leader, warns against any Israeli military presence MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has formally asked Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to take action against North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Cirro, drawing a comparison to how Riyadh has dealt with Yemen’s separatist leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi, the country’s defense minister said. Defense Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, said…

Puntland State president vows measured response amid Somalia’s political uncertainty AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni pledged a restrained, experience-driven response to political shifts at home and abroad, warning that unilateral constitutional changes by Somalia’s Federal Government risk deepening divisions at a critical moment for the country’s statehood. Speaking to a youth forum in Garowe, the regional capital, Deni said Puntland State’s record since its formation will continue to guide…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s defense minister accused Israel of planning to forcibly relocate Palestinians to North Western State of Somalia and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse Israel’s surprise recognition of the breakaway region, escalating a diplomatic standoff that has rippled across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi called Israel’s move a “serious violation” of international law and a “direct attack” on…

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…