Somalia’s President to visit Djibouti, Türkiye as diplomatic efforts intensify after Israel’s Somaliland recognition.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Djibouti on Tuesday, marking his first foreign visit since Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland, Somali officials said on Monday.

The visit comes amid intensified regional diplomacy aimed at rallying support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In Djibouti, President Hassan Sheikh is expected to engage with regional leaders as efforts gather pace to convene an emergency summit of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in solidarity with Somalia following Israel’s controversial move.

Officials familiar with the preparations said discussions in Djibouti will focus on coordinating a unified regional response, reaffirming respect for Somalia’s internationally recognized borders, and addressing the potential security and political implications of Israel’s decision for the Horn of Africa.

Following the Djibouti visit, President Hassan Sheikh is also expected to travel to Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia. Ankara has been pushing for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and to mobilize broader diplomatic backing for Mogadishu.

Türkiye has consistently reiterated its support for Somalia’s unity and has warned that unilateral actions undermining territorial integrity risk destabilizing the region. Somali officials say the anticipated OIC engagement would complement parallel efforts at the United Nations, the African Union, and within regional blocs to challenge Israel’s move through diplomatic and legal channels.

The planned trips underscore Mogadishu’s escalating diplomatic campaign as it seeks to consolidate regional and international opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which Somali authorities have described as illegal, null and void, and a direct affront to the country’s sovereignty.

President Hassan Sheikh has in recent days held extensive consultations with federal member state leaders, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and international partners, vowing that Somalia will pursue all lawful means to defend its unity and territorial integrity.

Further details of the visits and meetings are expected to be announced by the presidency in the coming days.

Mustaqbal