By Abukar Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 12 June 2026– Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dismissed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a “trap” rather than genuine international recognition.
Speaking on Miizaan Podcast, of Dawan Media, the president described the development as one of the most serious political challenges facing Somalia in recent years.
He said neither Somalia nor most members of the international community recognise Somaliland as a separate state and maintained that the territory remains part of Somalia.
According to Hassan Sheikh, Somalia has consistently preferred dialogue over force in addressing the Somaliland question despite decades of political disagreement.
The president also disclosed that Israel had previously approached Somalia on several occasions regarding the possibility of establishing formal relations.
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He said Somalia had not accepted those proposals, arguing that the time was not appropriate for such a relationship.
Hassan Sheikh said Somalia’s position toward Israel is influenced by concerns regarding Palestinian rights and broader humanitarian considerations.
He warned that the Somaliland recognition move could draw Somalia into geopolitical disputes that are not in its national interest.
The president maintained that Somaliland had not obtained genuine international recognition through the arrangement and described the development as a strategic miscalculation.