Somali president accuses Israel of exploiting dispute with Somaliland

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Israel of exploiting the long-standing conflict between Mogadishu and the separatist region of Somaliland after Israel recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state in December 2025. He called the recognition one of the darkest days in Somalia's history. Mohamud said Mogadishu had chosen dialogue over force to resolve the issue.