Somalia urges Arab nations to block Somaliland recognition

Somalia is appealing to Arab nations to use diplomatic leverage to prevent the international recognition of Somaliland, following Israel’s decision in December 2025 to formally recognize the territory as a sovereign nation. Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, warned that any external moves to alter Somalia’s unity could lead to significant political and security repercussions in the Horn of Africa.

Despite intense pressure from Arab nations, including financial aid offers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia aimed at reversing the alliance, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has maintained the strategic partnership with Israel. The relationship has progressed to include the exchange of ambassadors and the inauguration of Somaliland’s first overseas embassy in Jerusalem.

While the Somali government expressed concern over Israel’s security and intelligence engagement with Somaliland, the Somaliland administration has rejected attempts to influence its foreign policy through financial incentives, stating that its decision to maintain relations with Jerusalem is a closed national matter.