MOGADISHU, June 19 — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the regional bloc, on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity under international treaties.
“IGAD has taken note of reports concerning the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem and reiterates its longstanding position that Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected,” the IGAD said in a statement. The regional bloc cautioned that actions undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity risk raising tensions and damaging regional peace and cooperation. Tensions escalated between Somalia and Israel in December 2025 after Israel formally recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state, prompting Somaliland to open a new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday.
Somalia has condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, calling the late 2025 diplomatic move a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
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