Sunday December 27, 2025 {HMC} Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday held a special meeting with former heads of state who are now in opposition, as well as other senior political figures, to discuss the country’s current situation amid growing regional tensions.
According to a statement from the Somali presidency, the meeting focused on safeguarding Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity, particularly in response to Israel’s announcement recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.
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The discussions emphasized the importance of political cohesion and national consensus at what the presidency described as a critical moment for the country. President Mohamud praised former leaders and opposition politicians for their advisory role, stressing the need for collective responsibility in defending Somalia’s sovereignty.
“The defense of the country’s unity and independence transcends political differences,” President Mohamud said, underscoring the need to harness the strength, wisdom, and unity of the Somali people.
Separately, the president also met with members of both houses of parliament from the northern regions, as well as Somali scholars, to further discuss national unity and the preservation of the country’s territorial integrity.
These engagements follow a series of telephone conversations President Mohamud has held with regional leaders, international partners, and heads of international organizations, aimed at mobilizing diplomatic support for Somalia’s position.
Israel on Friday officially announced that it had recognized Somaliland as an independent state, a move that sparked strong condemnation from the Somali government and its allies, who described the decision as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the African Union (AU), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have all rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained international recognition. The region has continued to press for statehood for more than three decades, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro making international recognition a central priority since taking office last year.
