The Republic of Somaliland has flatly denied claims that it agreed to host Israeli military bases or accept refugees from Gaza in exchange for diplomatic recognition by Israel, calling the allegations false and misleading.
In a sharply worded statement posted on X, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected remarks made by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, saying they were designed to undermine Somaliland’s diplomatic progress.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland firmly rejects false claims alleging the resettlement of Palestinians or the establishment of military bases in Somaliland,” the ministry said.
It emphasized that relations with Israel are strictly diplomatic, grounded in international law and mutual sovereign interests.
“Somaliland’s engagement with the State of Israel is purely diplomatic… and fully consistent with regional stability and peaceful international cooperation,” the statement added.
The response followed comments by President Mohamud in an interview in which he claimed Somali intelligence had detected Israeli military activity in Somaliland and alleged that Israel’s recognition came with conditions — including Gaza resettlement, military basing along the Gulf of Aden, and participation in the Abraham Accords.
Hargeisa dismissed the claims outright, accusing Mogadishu of attempting to mislead the international community at a moment when Somaliland’s global standing is rapidly rising.
Israel formally recognized Somaliland last week, becoming the first UN member state to do so — a move that has triggered intense diplomatic reactions across the Horn of Africa and beyond.
According to sources speaking to WARYATV, multiple countries — including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Kazakhstan — have since held direct calls discussing recognition, security cooperation, and economic partnerships. Separate diplomatic signals suggest the United States is also actively reviewing its position.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly framed Somaliland as a natural extension of the Abraham Accords, citing its stability, democratic governance, and strategic Red Sea location.
As discussions now extend to trade corridors, port access, and regional security cooperation, Somaliland’s leadership insists the narrative is clear: recognition is about sovereignty and partnership, not secret deals or foreign bases.
For Hargeisa, the moment marks long-awaited diplomatic momentum. For Mogadishu, it underscores a shifting regional reality it can no longer control.
