Somalia has strongly condemned Israel’s appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland, the breakaway region that Mogadishu considers an integral part of its territory.
In a statement issued Thursday, Somalia’s foreign ministry called the appointment a violation of national sovereignty and a breach of international law.
“This action represents a direct breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity,” the ministry said. “It stands in clear contradiction to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the foundational principles of the African Union, both of which unequivocally recognize Somalia as a single, sovereign, and indivisible state within its internationally recognized borders.”
The Somali government said it “categorically rejects any attempt to confer diplomatic or political recognition on any part of its territory outside the authority of the federal government in Mogadishu.”
“Any initiative that seeks to portray it as a separate entity is without legal basis and undermines the established international consensus,” the statement added.
Mogadishu warned that Israel’s move risks destabilizing regional progress and emboldening “divisive narratives.” The government called on Israel to reverse the decision and urged international bodies to uphold international law.
Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland on Wednesday. In December 2025, Israel announced mutual recognition with Somaliland, a move that was previously rejected by the Somali government and drew international criticism.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by any foreign government.