The Somali president warns against Israeli recognition of Somaliland

In a decisive statement to Al Arabiya English, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed that Somalia's territorial integrity and national sovereignty are a red line, non-negotiable and non-compromise. He emphasized that any attempts at unilateral recognition of separatist regions or foreign interference in Somalia's internal affairs constitute a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, threatening to destabilize the country and the entire Horn of Africa region.

The repercussions of Israeli recognition and the dangers of terrorism

In warning against suspicious moves, the Somali president indicated that any potential Israeli recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland would not merely be a political step, but rather an existential security threat far more dangerous than traditional challenges. He explained that such a move would provide the al-Shabaab terrorist group with a powerful propaganda tool to recruit fighters and raise funds under religious and nationalist slogans, thus undermining the strenuous efforts made by the Somali government and its international partners to combat terrorism and liberate vast swathes of territory since 2023.

Geopolitical importance and security of the Red Sea

The president's statements carry significant strategic importance given Somalia's geographical location. Somalia possesses the longest coastline on the African mainland and overlooks vital waterways connecting the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that Somalia's security is integral to the security of the Red Sea and global trade, and that any disruption to the status quo or incitement of political chaos would have negative repercussions extending beyond national borders, impacting international shipping and regional security.

Historical background and the position of the international community

These statements come at a sensitive time, as Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, seeks international recognition that has eluded it for over three decades. Despite the region's relative stability compared to other areas, the international community and the African Union remain committed to the principle of a unified Somalia, fearing that such a move would open the floodgates to secession and fragmentation across the African continent.

Rejecting the displacement of Palestinians and advocating dialogue as the only option

Regarding the rumors about transferring Palestinians, the Somali president categorically denied any such intention, describing any talk of transferring Palestinians to Somaliland as legally and morally unacceptable. He asserted that this proposal represents an extension of policies of forced displacement and the uprooting of peoples, which is unacceptable to both Somalia and the Palestinian people, who are deeply attached to their land. The president concluded by emphasizing that the federal government adopts peaceful political dialogue as the sole strategic option for addressing internal disputes, rejecting the use of military force due to its disastrous consequences for civil peace.