The Federal Government of Somalia has condemned plans by the self-declared republic of Somaliland to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and an affront to Arab and Islamic solidarity.
In a strongly worded statement, Somalia’s federal authorities said they remained committed to safeguarding the country’s “unity, independence, territorial integrity and nationhood”, while rejecting what they called unilateral actions that undermine the legitimacy of the Somali state.
The statement accused Somaliland’s administration of taking steps that contradict international law and resolutions issued by regional and international organisations.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia strongly condemns the move by the northwestern administration of Somalia to open what it called an ‘embassy’ in Jerusalem,” the statement said.
Mogadishu said the planned diplomatic office had “no legal basis or legal effect”, describing it as “an unacceptable act of provocation” that offends “the feelings and positions of Arab countries and the Islamic world”.
The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive issues in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv pending a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.
Somalia has traditionally supported the Palestinian cause and aligns itself with the broader position of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation regarding the status of Jerusalem.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operates with its own government, security forces and institutions, but has not gained widespread international recognition as an independent state.
