The Government of the Republic of Somaliland Firmly Rejects Somalian Government’s Misleading Claims Regarding Somaliland’s Sovereign Diplomatic Relations
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland categorically rejects the statement issued by the Somalian Government concerning Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with the State of Israel. The assertions advanced by the Somalian Government are unfounded in law, inaccurate in history, and lack factual basis.
The Republic of Somaliland is a sovereign state. It attained independence on 26 June 1960 and was recognized by the international community in its own right. This sovereignty neither originated from, nor is contingent upon, any authority in Mogadishu.
Accordingly, the Somalian Government has no legal standing to interfere in, comment on, or constrain Somaliland’s bilateral relations with any state. Somaliland’s diplomatic engagements constitute the exercise of its sovereign prerogatives and are not subject to external approval.
The continued invocation by the Somalian Government of “territorial integrity” in this context is both misplaced and misleading. Somaliland’s independence predates the union of 1960, which lacked a binding legal foundation capable of extinguishing Somaliland’s statehood. In line with the principle of state continuity, Somaliland reasserted its sovereignty in 1991 and has, for over three decades, exercised full governance within its internationally defined borders.
This reality is well understood by the international community. Somaliland has established democratic institutions, conducted credible elections, maintained internal peace, and acted as a responsible partner in a strategically significant region. It has contributed to counter-terrorism cooperation, anti-piracy efforts, and the safeguarding of key maritime routes.
In contrast, the Somalian Government continues to rely heavily on foreign security support, raising questions regarding its long-term stability. This distinction underscores Somaliland’s capacity as a self-reliant partner. Somaliland’s relations with the State of Israel, as with all its international partnerships, are conducted in full accordance with international norms. Political statements to the contrary do not alter these facts.
The Republic of Somaliland remains committed to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and constructive international engagement. However, Somaliland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and its foreign relations are determined solely by its sovereign will.