Somaliland Fires Back at Somalia Over Israel Links

The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has firmly rejected claims by the Somali Government regarding its diplomatic engagement with the State of Israel, describing the assertions as misleading and lacking a factual basis.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Somaliland maintains that it independently conducts its foreign relations under its sovereign authority.

The statement further stressed that Somaliland manages its diplomatic engagements without external interference or approval. It asserted that Somalia has no legal standing to interfere in, comment on, or constrain Somaliland’s bilateral relations with any state.

“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland categorically rejects the statement issued by the Somali Government concerning Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with the State of Israel,” the statement read.

“The assertions advanced by the Somali Government are unfounded in law, inaccurate in history, and lack factual basis,” the statement added.

Sovereignty and Historical Independence

Meanwhile, the government reiterated that Somaliland attained independence on June 26, 1960, and received recognition from the international community in its own right. It emphasizes that this sovereignty neither originated from nor depends on any authority in Mogadishu.

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Additionally, the statement explained that Somaliland’s independence predates the 1960 union, which it says lacked a binding legal foundation capable of extinguishing its statehood.

It added that Somaliland reasserted its sovereignty in 1991 and has since exercised full governance within its internationally defined borders.

“The continued invocation by the Somali Government of ‘territorial integrity’ in this context is both misplaced and misleading. Somaliland’s independence predates the union of 1960, which lacked a binding legal foundation capable of extinguishing Somaliland’s statehood,” the statement added.

Governance, Stability, and International Role

Furthermore, the statement highlighted  Somaliland’s governance record, noting that it has established democratic institutions, conducted credible elections, and maintained internal peace.

It also stated that Somaliland has acted as a responsible partner in a strategically significant region.

In addition, the government pointed to its contributions to counter-terrorism cooperation, anti-piracy efforts, and the safeguarding of key maritime routes.

In contrast, the statement noted that the Somali Government continues to rely heavily on foreign security support, raising questions about its long-term stability.

“Somaliland’s relations with the State of Israel, as with all its international partnerships, are conducted in full accordance with international norms. Political statements to the contrary do not alter these facts,” the statement said.

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Commitment to Sovereign Foreign Policy

Finally, the press release reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and constructive international engagement.

However, it emphasized that Somaliland’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable and that it determines its foreign relations solely through its sovereign will.

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The Government of Somaliland, on April 15, 2026, issued a press release rejecting Somalia’s claims over its Israel ties, stating it independently conducts its foreign relations. PHOTO/ MFA Somaliland X