In a speech at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the Gaza situation as “another level of inhumane engagement.” He urged it remain a global priority. Mohamud also strongly condemned Israel’s recent recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as independent, calling it a reckless and illegal act that threatens regional stability.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but had remained unrecognized until Israel’s move in December. The president framed Somalia’s ongoing fight against al-Qaida and ISIS as a sacrifice for international security, reiterating his government’s “total war” against militants since his 2022 election.

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