HARGEISA (SD) — Somaliland has strongly rejected remarks by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud regarding Somaliland’s relations with Israel and allegations that Israel plans to establish a naval base in the strategic port city of Berbera.

In a statement, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the Somali president’s claims as misleading, arguing that Mogadishu has no authority to determine Somaliland’s foreign relations or represent the position of its people.

The ministry reaffirmed Somaliland’s claim to statehood, pointing to its independence on June 26, 1960, before the formation of the Somali Republic on July 1, and its declaration of sovereignty in 1991. It said Somaliland has since developed its own governmental institutions and electoral system.

On its relationship with Israel, Somaliland said the ties are based on sovereign decisions and diplomatic cooperation. It also rejected claims that Berbera would be used to launch attacks against other countries, stressing its commitment to regional peace and cooperation. Somaliland has previously denied reports that it agreed to host an Israeli military base.

The Somaliland government also reiterated its support for Ethiopia’s access to the sea through mutually beneficial arrangements, while defending the 2024 Ethiopia-Somaliland memorandum of understanding, which Mogadishu strongly opposes.

Hassan Sheikh, speaking to Al Jazeera, said Somalia would not accept an Israeli military presence in Somaliland, alleging that Israel intends to establish a naval facility in Berbera and make use of the city’s airport. He argued that such a development would have wider implications for the region and said Mogadishu would respond to what it considers threats to Somalia’s sovereignty and interests.

The exchange highlights the widening divide between Hargeisa and Mogadishu over sovereignty, foreign relations and control of strategic territory. Somaliland’s response seeks to portray its relationship with Israel as an independent diplomatic choice rather than a security threat to Somalia, while Hassan Sheikh’s comments reflect Mogadishu’s concern over the strategic consequences of an Israeli presence on the Gulf of Aden. The dispute also places Berbera at the center of growing regional competition involving Israel, Ethiopia, Somalia and other Red Sea powers.