President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia addresses an emergency joint parliamentary session in the capital, Mogadishu, on December 28, 2025.

Somalia`s president has condemned Israel`s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as a "naked invasion" of the country`s sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Tel Aviv had formally recognized Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations.

Addressing an emergency joint session of parliament on Sunday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Netanyahu had committed the "greatest abuse" of Somalia`s sovereignty in the nation`s history.

"I urge the Somali people to remain calm and to defend the unity and independence of our country, which is facing a naked invasion," Mohamud said.

He also referred to Netanyahu as an "enemy," vowing that Somalia would never allow its territory to be used by Israel as a military base to attack other nations.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Barre echoed the warning, saying Israel was "searching for a foothold in the Horn of Africa."

In a symbolic move, Somalia`s lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution declaring Israel`s recognition of Somaliland "null and void."

The resolution warned that any individuals or institutions violating Somalia`s sovereignty would face legal consequences under domestic and international law.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war, but has never been recognized by any United Nations member state.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, leader of the breakaway region, however, defended Israel`s recognition of the territory, saying the move "is not a threat and not an act of hostility" toward neighboring countries.

Israel`s move has sparked international backlash. Arab and African countries, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning Israel`s move as a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Regional leaders, including the presidents of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Djibouti, have also reaffirmed their support for Somalia`s territorial integrity.

The UN Security Council is expected to discuss Israel`s recognition of Somaliland on Monday.