MOGADISHU: Somalia will not permit the establishment of any Israeli military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland and will confront any such attempt, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in an interview with Arab media.
The Somali leader criticised Israel’s reported engagement with Somaliland authorities, saying any foreign military presence would undermine regional stability and violate international law.
Mohamud warned that a proposed Israeli facility could be used for military operations against neighbouring countries, increasing security risks across the Horn of Africa.
“We will not allow any Israeli military base on Somali territory, including Somaliland,” he said, adding that Somalia would defend its sovereignty against any foreign force attempting to enter the region.
His remarks come amid heightened regional debate following reports that Israel has explored diplomatic and security ties with Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory.
Somaliland, located along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, holds strategic importance due to its position near the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Israel has denied plans to establish a military base, while Somaliland officials have also rejected claims of formal agreements. However, earlier this year, a Somaliland foreign ministry official told Israel’s Channel 12 that discussions on security cooperation were ongoing.
Somalia has repeatedly warned that any unilateral recognition or military engagement involving Somaliland would be considered illegal and destabilising for the wider region.
