Hornpost
Mogadishu (Horn post) Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has, for the first time, altered his public language when referring to Somaliland, avoiding the use of the name “Republic of Somaliland” and instead addressing Somalilanders as “the Northern brothers,” during a televised address to the nation on Tuesday.
The remarks came amid growing regional and international attention following Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland, a development that has triggered sharp reactions from Mogadishu.
Speaking directly to the public, President Mohamud argued that international recognition of Somaliland remains contingent upon Somalia’s federal government, asserting that no external actor can independently determine Somaliland’s status.
Citing examples of past secessionist cases, he stated that recognition “does not come from Netanyahu,” but rather, in his words, “from the Somali state and the Somali people who share faith, identity, and nationhood.”
The Somali president also directly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejecting Israel’s recognition as illegitimate. “The Somali nation cannot be divided by a letter written by the Israeli government and signed by Netanyahu,” he said, describing Somalia as an indivisible and sovereign state.
In addition, President Mohamud accused Israel of pursuing broader regional objectives, including allegations related to Palestinian displacement—claims that were publicly denied on Monday night by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. However, Sa’ar acknowledged Israel’s strategic interest in establishing military facilities in Somaliland, particularly along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, citing maritime security considerations.
President Mohamud warned that any military presence in Somaliland could destabilize security in the Horn of Africa and key international waterways, urging Somaliland authorities not to allow their territory to become a source of regional tension.
Observers note the contrast between Mogadishu’s regional security warnings and Somalia’s ongoing internal security challenges, including persistent instability in the capital. Critics argue that Somalia’s leadership continues to project authority over Somaliland despite lacking effective control or governance over the territory for more than three decades.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has further exposed the widening diplomatic divide between Hargeisa and Mogadishu, while reinforcing Somaliland’s narrative of de facto statehood and growing international engagement in the strategically vital Horn of Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
Hargeisa Somaliland.
