Mogadishu (Monitoring Desk): Widespread protests have erupted across Somalia following Israel’s announcement formally recognizing the breakaway region of Somaliland. Thousands of people took to the streets in the capital Mogadishu and other cities to strongly condemn the Israeli decision.
In a major stadium in Mogadishu, tens of thousands of citizens gathered holding Somali and Palestinian flags while chanting slogans in support of Somalia’s sovereignty. Protesters stated that the move is a direct attack on Somalia’s territorial integrity and could pose serious threats to peace and stability in the region.
Addressing the crowd, Zaher Imam Mahmoud said that the Somali nation remains united and will not accept any external pressure or decisions. He urged the people of Somaliland not to be misled by moves that could create division among Somalis.
Similar demonstrations were also held in other cities including Lasanod, Guri’el, and Baidoa, where citizens rejected the Israeli announcement and demanded its immediate reversal.
Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Israel’s decision as a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and warned that it could further destabilize the region. He reaffirmed that Somalia will not accept any compromise on its territorial integrity.
It is noteworthy that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last Friday that Somaliland would be recognized as an independent state, triggering heightened political tensions across the African region.
