Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that recent moves involving Somaliland, which he accused Israel of backing for strategic purposes, pose an existential threat to Somalia's sovereignty and national security. In an interview with Al Arabiya English on Saturday, Mohamud said Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and has no legal standing as a separate state. He described actions by Somaliland's leadership as violations of international law that have undermined efforts to preserve national unity through peaceful means. "So-called Somaliland is another region of Somalia," he said, arguing that the secessionist project has proven "non-viable" and that its leaders are acting out of desperation in seeking international recognition. Mohamud alleged that Israel has three objectives linked to Somaliland: establishing a military base near the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, persuading Somaliland to accept displaced Palestinians, and bringing Somaliland's leadership into the Abraham Accords. He categorically rejected any plan involving the relocation of Palestinians, saying Somalia would not accept such a move "under any circumstances." "Somalia does not border Palestine," he said, adding that any forced displacement would be driven by Israeli policy rather than regional realities. Describing the idea as "Israel's dream," he said it "will never come true." The president said the developments represent the most serious threat Somalia has faced in recent years, even surpassing its long-running fight against terrorism. While emphasizing that dialogue remains Somalia's preferred option, he did not rule out the use of force if national security were threatened. Mohamud said the government would take all necessary steps to counter what he described as a direct challenge to Somalia's sovereignty, framing the issue as one with wider implications for regional stability and international law. — SG
