Somalia condemns Israel’s Somaliland envoy as sovereignty breach

Somalia condemns Israel’s Somaliland envoy as sovereignty breach

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Mogadishu reiterated that it does not recognise Somaliland as independent and considers any direct diplomatic engagement with the region as illegitimate.

Somalia has rejected Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to Somaliland, calling the move a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a strongly worded statement, Mogadishu said the appointment by Israel “represents a direct breach” of Somalia’s unity and contradicts international law, including the United Nations Charter and the principles of the African Union (AU).
The Israeli foreign ministry announced the appointment of Michael Lotem as a non-resident ambassador to Somaliland.
Lotem is a seasoned envoy who has previously served in Kenya, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
The move follows Israel’s December 2025 announcement of mutual recognition with Somaliland, a step that has drawn sharp opposition from Somalia and unease across parts of the international community.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised internationally.
Despite functioning as a de facto state with its own political and security institutions, it is still regarded by the international system as part of Somalia.
Mogadishu reiterated that it does not recognise Somaliland as independent and considers any direct diplomatic engagement with the region as illegitimate.
“Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Any initiative that seeks to portray it as a separate entity is without legal basis and undermines the established international consensus,” the statement said.

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