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MOGADISHU, 15 November 2026 — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Sunday that Taiwan and Israel threaten Somalia's existence and sovereignty, describing China as a close friend.
"Today, Taiwan is among the things that threaten the existence and sovereignty of the country and the Somali people. Israel is also a threat," Mohamud said at a groundbreaking ceremony for a national defence university that China is helping to build.
"The countries that threaten our nationhood and statehood are distinct to us from those that are dear friends. China is among the dear friends," he added.
Mohamud said China had stood by Somalia since the 1960s and that the two countries were united by the "One China" and "One Somalia" principles.
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He also addressed Somalia's political dispute, urging opponents to join talks and saying nothing was off the table except issues that undermine the country's unity, security and sovereignty.
"A man who gets angry one day, runs away and seeks help from foreigners will not bring much harm to the country," he said, without naming anyone.
The remark came a day after the opposition Somalia Future Council said it would negotiate only under the mediation of an international quartet of the United States, Britain, the European Union and Türkiye.
Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland in December 2025. The region declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Taiwan opened a representative office in Hargeisa in 2020.