Speaking about Somaliland’s political status and the security balance in the Red Sea, Somali President Mahmud said Israel recognized Somaliland because of its strategic interests in the region.
In his interview, Mahmud said Israel wanted to establish a naval base in Somaliland to move closer to the Gulf and other regions it is targeting. Arguing that Israel had no special affinity for Somaliland, Mahmud said, "Israel wants the Red Sea. That is the only reason."
Somalia will not take sides in the conflict
Regarding a possible conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Mahmud said an issue between the two countries did not concern Somalia. Saying that Somalia had good relations with both countries, Mahmud stated, "Somalia will definitely not join any conflict. We do not support conflicts."
Call for external support for the Red Sea
Mahmud said the main security problems in the Red Sea were the conflict in Yemen and piracy. Saying that Somalia could not protect its approximately 3,400-kilometer coastline on its own, Mahmud noted that international support was needed to ensure security.
Agreement with the UAE canceled
Mahmud said they did not allow the establishment of proxy military bases on Somali territory to operate on behalf of other countries, and announced that the defense and security agreement previously signed with the United Arab Emirates had been canceled.
Mahmud also said that the United Arab Emirates’ activities in Somalia were no longer based on a valid legal agreement.
Somaliland’s declaration of independence
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recognized Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025. The Somali government rejected the decision, arguing that it violated the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
