HARGEISA – (SLpost)- The Somalia government has openly acknowledged that influential world powers are actively working to expand international recognition for Somaliland following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
According to statements from officials in Mogadishu, several powerful countries that played a role in encouraging Israel’s recognition of Somaliland are now continuing broader diplomatic efforts aimed at persuading other nations to follow the same path. Somalia claims these governments are utilizing both diplomatic influence and financial leverage to encourage parliaments and political leaders around the world to support Somaliland’s recognition as a sovereign state.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre publicly stated during a gathering that the countries behind Israel’s recognition campaign remain actively engaged in mobilizing support for Somaliland. He specifically noted that lobbying efforts are now targeting members of foreign parliaments in an attempt to build international momentum toward formal recognition of Somaliland.
The remarks by the Somali Prime Minister came at a time of heightened political tensions, as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also addressed reports regarding Somaliland’s plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem. President Hassan Sheikh claimed such plans would not materialize and reiterated Mogadishu’s opposition to any diplomatic engagement between Somaliland and Israel.
Speaking after Eid prayers in Mogadishu, the Somali President described Somaliland-Israel relations as a “project” aimed at bringing Israel into Somaliland, which he continues to regard as part of Somalia. He argued that Somaliland’s people are known for their Islamic identity and pointed to the Shahada inscribed on the Somaliland flag, suggesting that closer relations with Israel contradict those values.
However, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro strongly rejected Somalia’s position. Addressing crowds in Gabiley after Eid prayers, President Cirro accused both Somalia and Djibouti of showing hostility toward Somaliland following Israel’s recognition. He called on neighboring governments to stop interfering in Somaliland’s affairs.
In a direct message to President Hassan Sheikh, President Cirro declared that Somaliland has “moved on” and has now become a recognized state on the international stage. He also urged Somaliland citizens to unite in defending their nation, sovereignty, and stability.
Meanwhile, political analyst Abdiqani Food-cadde says that Hassan Sheikh’s latest statements amounted to an indirect admission that Somaliland’s diplomatic campaign is succeeding. According to the analyst, Somalia’s increasingly defensive rhetoric reflects growing concern in Mogadishu over Somaliland’s expanding international legitimacy.
The exchange of statements between the leaders of Somaliland and Somalia comes shortly after Somaliland announced plans to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, a move viewed by supporters as another major step in Somaliland’s push for full international recognition and broader diplomatic engagement.
Jerusalem remains one of the most contested cities in the world and is home to the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site. The city continues to stand at the center of the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict and wider Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.
SOURCE: Somalilandpost News
