Former Somali minister claims Israel infiltrated Somalia’s institutions
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Former Somali Information Minister Zakaria Mahmoud Hajji has alleged that Israel has deeply infiltrated Somalia’s federal institutions and political decision-making structures, weeks after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Tel Aviv as an enemy of both Somalia and the Muslim world over its recognition of Somaliland, its acceptance of a Somaliland embassy […]
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MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Former Somali Information Minister Zakaria Mahmoud Hajji has alleged that Israel has deeply infiltrated Somalia’s federal institutions and political decision-making structures, weeks after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Tel Aviv as an enemy of both Somalia and the Muslim world over its recognition of Somaliland, its acceptance of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, and plans to establish a military base in the Red Sea port city of Berbera.
Hajji Alleges Israeli Influence in Somalia
“Israel has deeply infiltrated Somalia’s institutions and penetrated Somali political decision-making. We must recognize the danger of its presence in Berbera, as well as the risks posed by delays in achieving national unity and saving what remains of the Somali state,” Hajji told in an interview with Egypt Independent newspaper.
“The primary responsibility lies with the Somalis themselves, and this is what allowed the fragmentation to occur. However, Arab states and countries of the Horn of Africa also bear responsibility.”
The former Somali minister argued that responsibility for Somalia’s fragmentation rests primarily with Somalis themselves, while also pointing to the role of regional actors.
Israel, Ethiopia and Somalia
Hajji added that “Israel penetrates Somalia through Ethiopia, as the two countries share relations and mutual interests.”
Speaking about his history of being part of the insurgent groups that fought Ethiopian forces after they entered Somalia and seized the capital, Mogadishu, in 2006, Hajji explained how he believed Israel used Ethiopia in pursuing its interests in Somalia.
“I was part of the Somali Re-Liberation Alliance when Ethiopia attempted to occupy parts of Somalia in 2007. The war with Ethiopia continued between 2007 and 2011. After Ethiopia was repelled and its forces pushed out of parts of Somali territory, Western powers stepped in and helped install non-national forces into positions of authority, which later contributed to the deterioration of the situation,” Hajji said.
“When Ethiopia occupied parts of Somalia, it was effectively a proxy war. Israel had an interest in fragmenting Somalia, while Ethiopia had a direct interest in fighting Somalia and occupying parts of it. Thus, Ethiopian and Israeli objectives converged. Even today, Ethiopia continues to occupy part of western Somalia,” Hajji added.
The former Somali minister and member of parliament said Israel benefited from Somalia’s collapse and instability and argued that a broader project aimed at reshaping the Horn of Africa region is underway.
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
The remarks come after Israel recognized Somaliland last year, becoming the first United Nations member state to recognize the breakaway northern region.
Following the recognition, Israel appointed an ambassador to Somaliland while accepting Somaliland’s appointment of an ambassador to Israel and plans to establish an embassy in Jerusalem.
Somaliland also announced that it would soon open its embassy in Jerusalem, prompting condemnation from 19 Muslim countries that regard Jerusalem as an occupied Palestinian city.
The developments have placed renewed attention on relations between Israel and Somaliland, the strategic importance of Berbera on the Red Sea, and continuing political tensions between Somalia and Somaliland over international recognition and sovereignty.
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