The warning comes amid rising tensions around the Gulf of Aden, a key maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, as the conflict involving Iran escalates and Somalia explores plans to strengthen its military, including negotiations to acquire up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets from Pakistan.
“Somalia does not want to see its territory pulled into external confrontations or used in ways that could further destabilize an already sensitive region,” Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera on Thursday.
Reports of Israeli military presence in Somaliland
The warning from Mogadishu follows reports by Sweden’s public radio Ekot that Israel was exploring the possibility of establishing a military installation near the strategic port city of Berbera in Somaliland.
In February, Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency, told AFP he “could not rule out” allowing Israel to establish a military presence in the territory.
In separate comments to Bloomberg, Abdi said the breakaway region was pursuing a “strategic relationship” with Israel that “encompasses a lot of things.”
He added that the possibility of hosting an Israeli base had not yet been discussed, but that it “will be analysed at some point.”
Somalia insists only federal government can approve military deals
Somalia’s federal government has expressed concern since Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent state on December 26, 2025, and has rejected suggestions that foreign military agreements could be negotiated outside the authority of Mogadishu.
Omar said the “Federal Government is the only authority empowered to enter into international security or military arrangements on behalf of the country.”
“Any discussions about foreign military facilities on Somali territory that take place outside that framework simply have no legal standing,” he said.
Horn of Africa becomes focus of global strategic competition
While Somaliland continues to seek international recognition, Somalia has also sought to strengthen its own international partnerships, including efforts to deepen ties with the United States.
In 2025, Somalia confirmed it would grant the United States exclusive access to several strategic air bases and ports, including the Balidogle air base and the ports of Berbera and Bosaso, according to a letter from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to US President Donald Trump.
Somaliland seeks stronger ties with global powers
At the same time, Somaliland has indicated it is open to closer cooperation with the United States as it continues efforts to gain international recognition.
In a recent interview, Khadar Hussein Abdi said the territory was prepared to offer Washington preferential access to mineral resources and potential military facilities.
“We are willing to give exclusive (access to our minerals) to the United States,” Abdi said. “Also, we are open to offer military bases to the United States. We believe that we will agree on something with the United States.”
