Somalia Condemns Israeli Ambassador Appointment to Somaliland as Violation of Sovereignty

Somalia has condemned the appointment of an Israeli ambassador to Somaliland, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and international law. Mogadishu insists that Somaliland is part of Somalia and says any foreign recognition or diplomatic engagement with it is illegal. The government urged Israel to reverse the decision and warned that the move could destabilize the region and undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Somalia has strongly condemned the appointment of an Israeli ambassador to Somaliland, describing the move as a serious violation of its sovereignty and a breach of international law. The government in Mogadishu stressed that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and argued that any foreign diplomatic engagement with the region without federal approval is illegitimate and unacceptable.
In a detailed statement, Somalia’s foreign ministry said the action by Israel directly undermines the country’s unity, territorial integrity, and political independence. It referenced international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Charter and African Union principles, which recognize Somalia as a single, sovereign state within its internationally accepted borders.
The Somali government rejected what it called any attempt to confer diplomatic or political recognition on Somaliland, warning that such steps have no legal foundation and go against long-standing international consensus. It added that portraying Somaliland as a separate entity risks encouraging separatist movements and weakening efforts toward national unity.
Mogadishu further warned that the decision could destabilize regional progress and worsen tensions in the Horn of Africa. It said Somalia will continue working with international partners to strengthen its national institutions, promote democratic governance, advance reconciliation efforts, and combat terrorism across the country.
The statement also called on Israel to reconsider and reverse the appointment, urging full respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It further appealed to the international community and global institutions to uphold international law and reject any actions that could undermine Somalia’s unity or legitimize secessionist claims.
The diplomatic row follows reports that Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, a move that has already drawn criticism from several international actors. Somalia reiterated that any recognition or formal engagement with Somaliland outside its federal framework would be viewed as a direct challenge to its statehood and sovereignty.