Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has used a historic visit to the town of Las Anood to strongly reject Israel’s recent recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to national unity.
The visit marked the first time in more than four decades that a sitting Somali president traveled to Las Anood, a town at the heart of ongoing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Somaliland authorities. Addressing residents, President Mohamud described Israel’s move as an attempt to divide Somalia, declaring that the country’s territorial integrity remains “untouchable.”
Although Somaliland’s leadership maintains that Las Anood is part of its territory, the warm and enthusiastic reception given to the Somali president highlighted strong local support for the federal government. Analysts say the visit delivered a symbolic setback to Somaliland’s long-standing secessionist ambitions, particularly at a moment when international recognition has become a central goal for its leaders.
Observers note that Israel’s recognition has elevated what was once a largely regional dispute into a potential international flashpoint. Somalia’s firm response has helped rally allies who prioritize stability in the Horn of Africa and oppose unilateral changes to borders in the region.
However, despite strengthening Somalia’s diplomatic position, experts caution that Israel’s decision is unlikely to be reversed. Instead, the move risks drawing additional external actors into an already volatile standoff, increasing the stakes in a region where political fragmentation and geopolitical competition remain persistent challenges.
