Somalia threatens Bab el-Mandeb access after 'Israel' appoints envoy to Somaliland
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- Somalia warns countries over actions affecting its territorial integrity
- 'Israel' appoints diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, escalating tensions
- Mogadishu references Bab el-Mandeb Strait in rare security warning
The Federal Government of Somalia has issued a strong warning at the global level, saying any country that compromises its territorial integrity could face restrictions related to access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The remarks were made by Somalia’s envoy to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullahi Mohamed Warfa, following 'Israel’s' decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.
Any Country interfering in Somalia's internal affairs and compromising its territorial integrity and sovereignty will face repercussions, including potential restrictions on access to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. pic.twitter.com/qJKuHR6HDF
— Amb.Abdullahi Warfa (@warfak1) April 17, 2026
'Israel' move sparks regional backlash
The announcement came after 'Israel' named Michael Lotem as a non-resident envoy to Somaliland. The move follows 'Israel’s' reported recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, a step that has not been internationally endorsed.
Somaliland has operated as a self-declared independent entity since 1991, but remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia.
Mogadishu has described the move as a violation of its sovereignty and international law.
Regional coalition condemns decision
Foreign ministers from 11 countries, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Palestine, Turkey, and Indonesia, have strongly condemned ‘Israel’s’ decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the ministers said the move constitutes a “flagrant violation” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its unified territory.
The ministers reaffirmed their rejection of any unilateral actions that undermine state sovereignty or territorial unity, stressing full support for Somalia’s internationally recognized government as the legitimate representative of the Somali people.
They said such measures violate international law, the United Nations Charter, and the African Union’s foundational principles.
The statement warned that the decision could set a “dangerous precedent” and threaten stability in the Horn of Africa, with potential consequences for broader regional peace and security.
