Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has strongly criticised Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as illegitimate and unlikely to succeed.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Fiqi said Somaliland President Abdirahman Cirro could end up abandoning his position, similar to Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council leader Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, who recently left the country amid escalating political tensions.
He argued that much of northern Somalia remains loyal to the federal government and rejected claims that Somaliland represents a fully unified, independent administration. “Large parts of the northern regions are aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia,” he said, “and residents do not want the country divided.”
The minister accused Israel of pursuing a long-term strategy aimed at fragmenting states for political influence, claiming its recognition of Somaliland forms part of a wider regional plan. “Israel has long sought to divide countries and reshape political maps,” Fiqi said.
He added that Somalia is not alone in opposing what he described as Israeli interference, noting the support of regional partners including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. Somalia has raised the issue in international forums, he said, as part of a broader diplomatic campaign.
Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia, declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. It has since developed functioning institutions, including its own government, security forces, and administrative systems, but remains unrecognised internationally.
Mogadishu continues to insist Somaliland is part of Somalia, rejecting unilateral moves toward recognition. Fiqi’s warning highlights the ongoing political tension over the territory’s status and the challenges the region faces amid external influence.
