The Federal Government of Somalia has issued firm warnings to Israel over its recognition of Somaliland and the possibility of any military presence in the region, even as Mogadishu pursues closer diplomatic and defence coordination with Saudi Arabia.

The developments mark a significant escalation in tensions over territorial integrity in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s government condemned Israel’s decision on 26 December to recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland — a breakaway region that declared independence in 1991 but has lacked international recognition until Jerusalem’s move.

Somali authorities described the recognition as a “deliberate attack” on their sovereignty and territorial integrity, reaffirming that Somaliland remains “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part” of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

They warned that they would not tolerate any attempt to establish a foreign military base on Somali territory or import external conflicts into the region.

Mogadishu has stressed it will defend its constitutionally recognised borders and pursue all necessary diplomatic, legal and political measures to uphold national unity and stability.

At the centre of Somali apprehension are reports and assertions by defence officials that Israel’s engagement with Somaliland may extend beyond diplomatic recognition, with statements suggesting discussions over possible strategic cooperation — including naval and security arrangements — though Somaliland’s government has denied any agreement on relocating Palestinians or establishing a base.

Israel’s recognition has also drawn sharp regional criticism, with many Arab and African states rejecting the move as contrary to international law and norms governing state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In response to the dispute and to bolster its international position, Somalia has been engaged in efforts to strengthen relations with key regional partners.

Reports indicate Mogadishu is advancing talks with Saudi Arabia — alongside Egypt — on military cooperation aimed at enhancing Red Sea security and countering influences it perceives as undermining national and regional stability.

Those discussions are linked to wider geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, where control of strategic maritime routes and alliances has become increasingly consequential.

Somalia’s warnings to Israel also reflect emerging concerns about security risks posed by the Horn of Africa’s shifting alignments, including fears that external military arrangements could exacerbate instability near vital shipping lanes connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

These tensions have complicated Somalia’s diplomatic posture, as Mogadishu seeks to balance its insistence on sovereignty with outreach to partners that share its interest in regional security and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Amid these developments, Somalia’s political leadership has reiterated its call for respect for international law, non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue.

While the government pursues deeper ties with Saudi Arabia and other supportive states, it remains unequivocal in its rejection of any unilateral recognitions or external military footprints that it believes could undermine its territorial integrity and national cohesion.