Mass protests erupted in Mogadishu on Sunday as Somalia formally condemned Israel’s unprecedented recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence in 1991 [[1]]. The move, announced Friday, has escalated regional tensions and prompted concerns over Somalia’s long-held territorial claims, with demonstrators asserting Somaliland remains an integral part of the country. Somalia’s government has demanded Israel reverse its decision, alleging it serves to destabilize the region and distract from the ongoing conflict in Gaza [[1]].
Mogadishu, Somalia –
Hundreds of people protested in the Somali capital on Sunday, December 28, 2025, following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a self-declared state in northern Somalia. The move has ignited tensions in the region and sparked concerns over Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Demonstrators gathered in Mogadishu, beginning their protest by singing the Somali national anthem. They voiced strong condemnation of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which declared its independence in 1991, and reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty.
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Chants of “Somalia is indivisible” and “Somaliland is Somalia” echoed through the streets as protesters marched. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to maintain order.
“Somalia has never relinquished its territory, and it will not do so now,” Mohamed Abor, a demonstrator, told Anadolu. “No part of Somali land can be given to Israel or any other country.”
Abor emphasized, “Somalia is one and will remain one.”
Another protester, Abdi Ismail, described Israel’s decision as unacceptable to the Somali people, calling it a “clear attack on Somalia’s sovereignty.”
“Somaliland is an integral part of the country,” Ismail stated. “No country has the right to recognize Somaliland unilaterally.” He added that the international community must not remain silent in the face of this development.
Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation on Friday, a move that has drawn criticism from Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, as well as countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Somaliland has been functioning as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not achieved widespread international recognition. The central government in Somalia continues to assert control over the region, and its leadership has been unable to secure international acceptance of its independence.
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