Days after Israel announced recognition of breakaway region Somaliland, the African nation officially rejected on Thursday the "false claims of the President of Somalia" regarding the resettlement of Palestinians or the establishment of military bases in its territory. A statement released by the government stressed that "Somaliland's connection with the State of Israel is diplomatic only, which is conducted with full respect for international law and the sovereign interests of both countries."
Officials in the Somaliland government slammed President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, emphasizing that "these baseless claims were intended to mislead the international community and to undermine Somaliland's diplomatic progress. Somaliland remains committed to regional stability and to peaceful international cooperation."
On Wednesday, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claimed in an interview with Al-Jazeera that within the framework of the agreement between Israel and Somaliland, officials intend to settle Palestinians in the East African country.
"Our intelligence points to the fact that three general lines were agreed upon regarding the agreement in Somaliland," Mohamud claimed. "First, to settle Palestinians in Somaliland. Second, an Israeli military base that will be established on the shores of the Gulf of Aden. And third, Somaliland joining the Abraham Accords (the 2020 normalization agreements)."
In this context, the Somali president – who opposes recognition of the State of Somaliland and has reportedly cooperated with Hamas and Turkey – charged that "Israel will turn to exiling Palestinians to Somalia and is interested in controlling strategic maritime corridors."
