The Federal Government of Somalia has condemned a reported visit by officials from the Somaliland administration to Jerusalem, describing it as a violation of Somalia’s constitution, international law and the country’s sovereignty.
The condemnation was issued on Thursday after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, where ministers reviewed the country’s overall situation and discussed a range of national and security matters.
In a statement released after the meeting, the cabinet criticized the visit by Somaliland officials to Jerusalem, which Somalia described as Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation.
“The Cabinet Ministers strongly condemns the trip made by the leader of the Somaliland administration to Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation. The Ministers noted that this action directly violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, international laws, and the principles protecting the independence of states and the rights of oppressed communities,” the statement said.
The remarks followed a meeting on Monday between Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the Somaliland presidency, the two leaders discussed cooperation in security, military affairs and economic development as part of Somaliland’s efforts to expand its international partnerships and diplomatic engagement.
Following the talks, Somaliland announced plans to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, describing the move as part of its broader push to strengthen its international presence and secure wider diplomatic recognition.
Somalia rejected any engagement involving Somaliland that takes place without the participation or approval of Mogadishu, arguing that such actions have no legal or political basis under international law.
According to the cabinet statement, any political, diplomatic or other engagement with Somaliland that excludes the Federal Government of Somalia is inconsistent with international law and therefore lacks legal standing.
The dispute highlights the long-running disagreement between Mogadishu and Somaliland over the region’s political status. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained its own government, security institutions and administrative structures. However, it has not been internationally recognised as a sovereign state.
Successive Somali governments have maintained that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and have consistently opposed efforts by foreign governments and international actors to engage with it as an independent state.
The latest cabinet statement reaffirmed that position, stressing that the Federal Government remains the sole authority responsible for representing Somalia in international affairs.
At the same time, Somali authorities said they remain committed to engaging with international partners through dialogue and cooperation and support efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability across the region despite disagreements over sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement comes amid growing criticism from regional and international organisations over reports of direct engagement between Israel and Somaliland. Several groups have expressed concern that such interactions could undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity if conducted outside the framework of the Federal Government.
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