Overview
- Thousands rallied in Mogadishu and other Somali cities on Tuesday to oppose Israel’s 26 December recognition of Somaliland.
- Somalia’s president Hassan Cheikh Mohamoud condemned the move as a grave breach of sovereignty and traveled to Turkey the same day for consultations.
- Israel’s step marked the first public recognition of Somaliland, which has operated separately since its 1991 self-declaration with its own currency and security forces.
- A coalition of 21 Arab, Muslim and African states issued a joint condemnation, and the UN Security Council held an emergency session on 29 December backing Somalia’s territorial integrity.
- The U.S. ambassador Tammy Bruce defended Israel’s right to recognize Somaliland but said Washington will not follow, while analysts warn the shift could enable an Israeli military presence near the Bab-el-Mandeb.