Somali president claims Somaliland agreed to host Israeli base, resettle Palestinians

Allegations of a strategic quid pro quo

President Mohamud described Israel's recognition of Somaliland as "very unexpected and strange." He asserted that, according to Somali intelligence, the agreement included Somaliland joining the US-brokered Abraham Accords, allowing Israel to establish a strategic foothold to control key waterways like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He accused Israel of seeking to forcibly displace Palestinians to Somalia.

Somalia's rejection of Somaliland's independence

The Somali federal government in Mogadishu maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory and rejects any engagement with it as a violation of sovereignty. Mohamud stated his administration has been attempting to reunify the country through peaceful dialogue, framing Israel's move as a disruptive external intervention.

International condemnation and UN concerns

The recognition has drawn widespread international criticism. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Monday, nearly all members condemned the move, with many expressing concern it was aimed at relocating Palestinians from Gaza. The United States abstained from the condemnation but reiterated that its own position on Somaliland's status remains unchanged.