Mogadishu — President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has firmly rejected any attempt by Israel or its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to influence or divide Somalia, stating that no foreign-written document can undermine the country’s unity or sovereignty.
Speaking during a national address on Thursday night, President Hassan Sheikh described Israel as internationally isolated and accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of facing global condemnation. He emphasized that Somalia remains a sovereign and indivisible nation, immune to what he described as external political pressure or interference.
“Somalia is a free, united country whose territory cannot be divided by a letter written by Israel or signed by Netanyahu,” the president said. “Such documents have no legal or political standing in our country.”
The president accused Israel of seeking to expand its influence into Somalia and the Horn of Africa, warning that such efforts could destabilize regional security. He alleged that Israel aims to export conflict and exploitation into the region, similar to what he described as its actions in Palestine.
During his speech, President Hassan Sheikh also reflected on the 2023 conflict in the Sool region, particularly in Las Anod. He said the fighting demonstrated a failure of the existing governance system in northern Somalia to maintain peace. Despite efforts by the federal government to mediate and encourage dialogue, he said those initiatives were ignored, leading to continued violence.
“The Sool wars were a symbol of how the system in the northern regions lost its way toward peace,” he said, adding that federal government delegations were sent to promote dialogue but were unsuccessful.
Addressing the controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia, President Hassan Sheikh criticized the agreement as illegal and harmful to Somalia’s sovereignty. He said the MoU emerged unexpectedly while constructive talks were underway and accused Somaliland authorities of prioritizing foreign interests over national unity.
The president further accused the Hargeisa administration of seeking recognition from Israel, calling the move evidence of vulnerability to foreign influence. He condemned Israel’s actions toward Palestinians, describing them as acts of looting, displacement, and mass killings that have drawn global outrage.
“The pursuit of recognition is not in the interest of our people,” President Hassan Sheikh said. “It serves Israel’s agenda of territorial expansion and military positioning, which threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa.”
He concluded by reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to unity, independence, and regional peace, warning against any agreements or alliances that compromise the country’s territorial integrity.
