Somali President Denounces Netanyahu’s “Blatant Attack” on Sovereignty in Landmark Parliamentary Address

MOGADISHU – In a high-stakes emergency session at Villa Hargeisa, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivered a defiant address to a joint session of the Federal Parliament, sharply criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for actions described as a direct assault on Somalia’s national integrity.

The President’s speech comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic rhetoric between Mogadishu and the Israeli leadership.

A Defiant Stance on Sovereignty

Addressing a packed chamber of lawmakers, President Mohamud condemned what he termed a “blatant attack” on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of showing a “total disregard” for international law and the established norms that govern state relations.

The President was unequivocal regarding the status of the country’s northern territories, stating:

“The Northern Regions remain an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Our commitment to defending every inch of our land is unwavering.”

Warning of Regional Instability

Beyond the diplomatic rift, the President issued a stern warning regarding the security implications of these actions. He argued that external interference and the “null and void” claims made by the Israeli leadership could serve as a catalyst for chaos in an already volatile region.

Key risks highlighted by the President include:

• Destabilization of the Horn of Africa: Escalating tensions could disrupt regional trade and diplomatic cooperation.
• Revival of Extremism: The President warned that such provocations provide “oxygen” to extremist groups, potentially reversing years of progress.
• Undermining Counter-Terrorism: The gains made by the Somali National Army and international partners against global terror networks are now at risk.

The Global Context

The President’s address is being viewed by analysts as a strategic move to consolidate domestic unity while signaling to the international community that Somalia will not tolerate infringements on its borders. By framing the issue as a violation of international law, Mogadishu is seeking to rally support from the African Union and the United Nations.

As the Horn of Africa faces shifting alliances, President Mohamud’s firm rhetoric underscores a period of “zero tolerance” for any external actors attempting to redraw Somali borders or influence internal politics through unilateral declarations.