President Mohamud vows to shield Somalia against being drawn into other countries' wars

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia, has delivered a strong address to the country's parliament, declaring that Somalia will not be used as a base for military aggression against other countries.

President Mohamud's remarks come after Israel officially recognised Somaliland as an independent state on Friday.

Somalia says that Israel's action constitutes a violation of the African nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking during a special parliamentary sitting convened in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision, President Mohamud said: "We warn against efforts to transfer conflicts and destabilising wars from other regions onto Somali territory."

One of strongest response in recent years

The address marks one of Somali leadership's strongest response to foreign meddling.

President Mohamud's remarks also touched on national unity, regional security, the international law, and Somalia's long-standing position on the Palestinian cause.

President Mohamud strongly warned against attempts to draw Somalia into wider geopolitical conflicts, particularly those originating outside the Horn of Africa.

"Somalia will not allow its land to be used as a base for aggression against other countries," he told the parliamentarians.

Rebuilding

The head of state further emphasised that Somalia, after decades of conflict and fragility, is focused on rebuilding state institutions, strengthening security, and contributing to regional peace.

Describing Israel's recognition of Somaliland as unprecedented, Mohamud said it was the most serious provocation Somalia has faced in recent times.

"Somalia has endured many hardships, but it has never experienced a transgression like the one committed on December 26, 2025," the president stated.

Until Israel's move on Friday, Somaliland, located in Somalia's northern region, had not received international recognition from any foreign country.

'Unacceptable'

Mohamud emphasised that Tel Aviv's action was unacceptable, as it undermined international laws governing individual nations' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The president said Mogadishu would pursue all diplomatic and legal avenues to challenge Israel's interference in its internal affairs.

Mohamud also called on the international community, including regional and continental bodies, to reject actions that could destabilise the Horn of Africa.

Turning to domestic issues, the head of state appealed for national cohesion, urging Somalis to reject division along clan or regional lines.

'Committed to dialogue'

Mohamud also cautioned leaders in Somalia's north, where Somaliland is located, against prioritising short-term or regional interests over national unity.

"We remain committed to meaningful dialogue with the Somaliland administration," he said.

Mohamud also reiterated Somalia's firm support for Palestine's right to self-determination, rejecting any proposal involving the forced displacement of Palestinians.

In his closing remarks, the Somali leader thanked countries and institutions that have supported Somalia, adding that he has intensified diplomatic engagement with regional and global partners, as well as consultations with opposition leaders, to strengthen national unity.