MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi criticized Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, warning it will fail and cause political instability.
Fiqi said Somaliland President Abdirahman Cirro could ultimately follow Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council leader Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, who recently fled Yemen amid mounting political tensions.
He said Somalia’s federal government retains support across much of the north, rejecting claims that Somaliland represents a unified, legitimate secessionist administration in the region.
“Large parts of the northern regions remain aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia,” Fiqi said, adding residents oppose any attempts to divide the country.
Fiqi accused Israel of pursuing a long-term strategy aimed at fragmenting nations for political influence, describing recognition of Somaliland as part of this agenda.
“Israel has long sought to divide countries and reshape political maps,” he said, suggesting the move fits within broader regional geopolitical objectives.
The minister said Somalia has the backing of several regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, opposing what he called Israeli violations.
Somalia has stepped up diplomatic efforts in response, raising the issue in international forums, he said.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and built stable institutions, yet remains unrecognized internationally, while Mogadishu insists the territory is integral to Somalia.