Monday December 29, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Hundreds of people protested in Somalia’s capital on Sunday against Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, the northern region that declared independence in 1991, with demonstrators denouncing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The protest in Mogadishu began with participants singing the Somali national anthem before chanting slogans such as “Somalia is indivisible” and “Somaliland is Somalia.”
Protesters said Israel’s recognition was unacceptable and accused it of undermining Somalia’s unity. “Somalia has never relinquished its territory and will not do so now,” said Mohamed Abor, one of the demonstrators. He added that no part of Somali land could be given to Israel or any other country, stressing that Somalis were prepared to make sacrifices to defend their nation.
Another protester, Abdi Ismail, described Israel’s decision as “a clear attack on Somalia’s sovereignty,” saying Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the country. “No country has the right to recognize it unilaterally,” he said, calling on the international community not to remain silent.
Israel on Friday became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that has drawn condemnation from Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia, as well as several countries in Africa and the Middle East.