Somali President accuses Israel of fueling instability in Somalia and the Red Sea region

Sunday August 2, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday accused Israel of interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs, saying such actions have contributed to instability in the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region.

Speaking at the opening of the eighth session of the Federal Parliament, Hassan Sheikh said Somalia had been subjected to external interference that undermined its sovereignty and territorial integrity, singling out Israel in his remarks.

“Israeli interference in Somalia’s internal affairs is one of the main factors fueling instability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region,” the president told lawmakers.

He said the federal government would continue to defend Somalia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity against any form of external interference.

The president also used his address to underscore the importance of political stability, calling for continued efforts to strengthen state institutions, improve governance and reinforce national security as Somalia confronts ongoing political and security challenges.

His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a move that Somalia strongly opposes. Mogadishu considers Somaliland an integral part of Somalia and has consistently rejected any foreign action that it believes undermines the country’s unity and sovereignty.

The recognition has drawn criticism from Somalia and prompted condemnation from several countries and regional organizations, which reiterated their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and called for respect for internationally recognized borders.

Somalia has repeatedly maintained that any engagement with Somaliland by foreign governments should be conducted in consultation with the federal government in Mogadishu and in accordance with international law.