Mogadishu – Hundreds of people demonstrated in the Somali capital on Sunday evening in protest against Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a move widely viewed by protesters as an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The demonstration began with participants singing the Somali national anthem, followed by chants such as “Somalia is indivisible” and “Somaliland is part of Somalia,” reflecting strong public opposition to the recognition.

Protesters expressed firm rejection of Israel’s decision, accusing Tel Aviv of undermining Somalia’s unity. Many demonstrators stressed that Somalia would never relinquish any part of its territory and voiced their willingness to make sacrifices in defense of the nation’s independence and territorial integrity.

Israel on Friday became the first entity to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a step that sparked widespread condemnation domestically, regionally, and internationally.

In addition to street protests, political analysts note that the demonstrations highlight growing public mobilization around issues of national sovereignty. Observers say such protests could increase pressure on Somali leaders to intensify diplomatic efforts at regional and international levels to counter unilateral actions affecting Somalia’s territorial unity.