By Goth Mohamed Goth
Somalia has called on Arab nations to use their diplomatic weight and bilateral ties to prevent Israel’s recognition of the breakaway “Somaliland” from sparking a broader international trend. Ali Mohamed Omar, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, made the appeal in exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that Mogadishu is also in direct contact with the Trump administration to voice its opposition.
Israel became the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland in December last year, a move followed by the exchange of ambassadors, the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, and an official visit by the region’s president to Israel. While the decision marked a diplomatic milestone for the separatist region, it has yet to trigger a cascade of similar recognitions from other countries.
Omar dismissed the notion that Israel’s move is merely symbolic, warning that “any external attempt to alter Somalia’s internationally recognized territorial integrity will carry political and potentially security repercussions.” He also noted that Israel’s engagement extends beyond diplomacy, pointing to its acknowledged role in training Somaliland security forces.
The minister stressed that Somalia treats with “utmost seriousness” any foreign effort to establish a military or intelligence foothold on its soil without federal consent, cautioning that “militarizing this issue would pose grave dangers to Somalia and the broader region.”
On the Arab response, Omar acknowledged that the initial reaction was significant in reaffirming regional and international consensus on Somali unity. However, he urged Arab partners to move beyond condemnation and take proactive diplomatic action. “Somalia’s unity is not solely a Somali concern,” he said. “The fragmentation of an Arab and African state would set a dangerous precedent with implications far beyond our borders.”
Regarding U.S. policy, Omar confirmed ongoing dialogue with Washington on sovereignty and security matters. He acknowledged that some U.S. lawmakers are advocating for policy change but distinguished between political rhetoric and official U.S. policy. “The Trump administration has clearly supported a unified Somalia,” he said, adding that the United States continues to recognize the Federal Republic of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Somaliland. He also highlighted shared U.S. interests in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and regional stability—all of which, he argued, are better advanced through a stable, united Somalia.
On Ethiopia, Omar said the 2024 Ankara Declaration now governs bilateral relations, with both sides reaffirming mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated that Ethiopia’s sea access must be secured through commercial arrangements under Somali sovereign authority, and noted that Turkish-mediated technical talks have already shown a viable path forward. “I see no need to dwell on whether the old memorandum is frozen or dead,” he added.
Omar described Turkey and Egypt as key strategic partners, with Egypt’s historic ties rapidly expanding into security, education, capacity-building, and economic cooperation. He dismissed any notion of rivalry between the two, saying, “Somalia benefits when its partners work together.”
On the delayed deployment of Egyptian troops under the African Union mission, Omar clarified that Egypt is both willing and prepared. The challenge, he explained, lies in finalizing logistical, operational, and rotational arrangements within the AU-UN framework, alongside sustainable funding for AUSSOM. Somalia, he said, wants these issues resolved as soon as possible.
Turning to Red Sea security, Omar noted growing regional recognition that maritime threats are interconnected. He confirmed Somalia’s participation in the Saudi-led maritime security framework announced this year, alongside Egypt and other regional partners, to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden.
On counter-terrorism, Omar said Al-Shabaab has suffered heavy losses recently, with Somali forces—backed by international partners—eliminating key leaders, disrupting networks, and reclaiming territory.
He also underscored Somalia’s progress, including functioning national institutions, expanded diplomatic ties, membership in the East African Community, and seats on the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. Somalia has also completed economic reforms and secured debt relief. Still, he acknowledged persistent challenges: Al-Shabaab remains a threat, institutions require further strengthening, and political divisions persist.
Looking ahead, Omar outlined Somalia’s ambition to evolve from a country in need of stabilization to an active contributor to the security and prosperity of the Red Sea, the Horn of Africa, and the wider region.
