He reaffirmed Mogadishu’s commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Somali territory, rejecting any attempts to transfer Middle Eastern conflicts to the Horn of Africa.

In a speech before the federal parliament, Sheikh Mohamud said the government is using all available diplomatic tools, international cooperation channels, and national strategies to protect Somalia’s sovereignty and counter any efforts that could threaten the country’s stability. He added that Somalia’s position has been reiterated at various regional and international forums.

The Somali president stressed that his country would not allow the spread of conflicts from the Middle East into the Horn of Africa, describing such developments as a direct threat to regional security and stability. He said that bringing the conflicts and suffering experienced in the Middle East over nearly a century to the Horn of Africa “is completely unacceptable and serves neither the Somali people nor the peoples of the region.”

Regarding the future of the African Union mission and challenges related to declining international support, Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia has the necessary military capabilities and that its forces are able to assume greater security responsibilities amid discussions over the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Israel announced on December 26, 2025, that it had officially recognized Somaliland. The Somali government rejected the move, describing it as an “illegal step” and a deliberate violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized borders.