President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly opposed the relationship between Somaliland and Israel, condemning a reported plan for Somaliland to open an embassy in Israel, especially in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
Speaking on the occasion of Eid, President Hassan Sheikh said that the Federal Government of Somalia will not accept what he described as “a project to bring Israel to a part of Somaliland.”
“Is Israel known for charity? Is Israel known for making nations prosperous? There are no secrets in the 21st century,” the Somali President said.
He said it was regrettable that Somaliland, which he called “an administration in northern Somalia,” would extend an invitation to Israel, insisting that the plan “will not be implemented.”
The President also said that the Somali people are known as Muslims who practice the Quran, criticizing the actions of some Somaliland officials in showing support for Israel.
“The Somali people are known around the world as the people of the Quran. It is very regrettable that the flag that was inscribed on the certificate today is being replaced with a sign of support for Israel,” said Hassan Sheikh.
The Somali President also called on Israel to accept the statehood of Palestine, stating that Jerusalem is a holy city for Muslims.
President Hassan Sheikh’s statement comes at a time of increasing debate about the relationship between Somaliland and Israel, which has sparked various political and social reactions in Somalia and the wider Islamic world.
