HARGEISA, Somaliland – January 11, 2026 – The Republic of Somaliland has issued a stern condemnation of what it describes as “inflammatory rhetoric” from the neighboring Federal Government of Somalia, after Mogadishu reportedly called for foreign military intervention against the breakaway region.
In an official press release published today, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation characterized Somalia’s statements as “a serious and irresponsible escalation” and a “clear violation of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law.”
The escalating war of words centers on the long-standing and unresolved status of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. While not recognized by any foreign nation, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto independent state for over three decades, boasting its own government, currency, security forces, and democratic electoral processes.
“Somaliland is not under Mogadishu’s authority,” the statement reads emphatically. It asserts that the region “lawfully restored its sovereignty in 1991 within its internationally recognized 1960 borders and has since maintained peace, stability, and democratic governance”—a pointed contrast to the periodic instability in southern Somalia.
The Somaliland government stated it holds authorities in Mogadishu “fully responsible for the consequences of this inflammatory rhetoric.” It also issued a dual-pronged call to the international community: first, urging “international partners to reject any such appeals” for military action, and second, reaffirming its own “commitment to peace while reserving its inherent right to self-defense under international law.”
Analysts suggest the strong language from Hargeisa indicates a significant deterioration in dialogue between the two sides. Tense relations have persisted for years, often flaring over airspace control, port management, and broader quests for international recognition. A public appeal by Somalia for foreign military force, however, marks a severe new turn.
The international community, including major partners and regional bodies like the African Union and IGAD, has long urged peaceful dialogue and a negotiated settlement between Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Somaliland’s latest statement appears designed to frame Somalia’s position as not only aggressive but also unlawful, potentially seeking to galvanize diplomatic support against what it perceives as an existential threat.
As of publication, the Somali government in Mogadishu has not publicly issued an official response to Somaliland’s condemnation. Observers will be watching closely to see if this exchange leads to further diplomatic isolation or reignites long-simmering tensions along the disputed border.
