By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 28 December 2025 Four Somali federal member states have issued strong and coordinated condemnations of Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, describing the move as a clear violation of international law and a direct attack on the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Galmudug State administration rejected Israel’s decision in a press statement issued on Saturday, warning that such actions undermine the fundamental principles governing relations between states and pose a serious threat to regional stability. Galmudug stressed that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia and that any attempt to legitimize its secession is unlawful and destabilizing. The statement added that any external recognition of Somaliland contravenes international legal norms and Somalia’s constitutional order.
Similarly, the Hirshabelle State administration firmly rejected Israel’s announcement, describing it as a direct violation of international law and an assault on Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. In a statement issued by the Hirshabelle State House, the administration said the decision undermines internationally recognized legal frameworks and threatens peace, security, and stability in the region. It emphasized that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of Somalia and that any attempt to recognize it as an independent entity directly contradicts international legal norms and damages Somalia’s territorial unity.
In Baidoa, the South West State authorities also rejected the announcement attributed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Office of the President of South West State said the move violates international law and the obligation of states to respect the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia. The statement stressed that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia’s sovereign territory and warned that any attempt to legitimize secession undermines established international norms and threatens regional stability. The leadership and people of South West State reaffirmed their commitment to defending Somalia’s sovereignty and constitutional order.
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In Las Anod, the North East State leaders also condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a clear violation of international law and an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty. The leaders rejected remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying any attempt to recognize or legitimize Somaliland’s secession constitutes unlawful interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and undermines established international norms governing relations between states. The state reaffirmed its full support for the federal government’s position and called on the international community and regional organizations to stand with Somalia in safeguarding its unity and sovereignty.
Notably, the remaining two federal member states — Puntland and Jubaland — have so far not issued official statements on the matter. There is a widespread belief among political observers that the leaderships of the two states, which have strained relations with the federal government and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, are reluctant to take a public position due to ongoing political disagreements, despite the issue being widely regarded as a national matter transcending internal political disputes.
The statements issued by Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West State, and the North East State collectively underscore a strong stance among Somalia’s Federal Member States against Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their shared commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and their rejection of any unilateral actions that risk destabilizing the Horn of Africa.
