Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told Al Jazeera that Somalia will not accept an Israeli presence 'under any circumstances,' alleging that Israel is planning a naval base in Berbera.
Key facts
- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera.
- He said Somalia will not accept an Israeli presence 'under any circumstances.'
- The president claimed Israel is planning a naval base in Berbera.
- The remarks were published by Al Jazeera on 3 October 2026.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said his country will not accept an Israeli presence ‘under any circumstances,’ according to an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera published on 3 October 2026.
In the interview, the president claimed that Israel is planning to establish a naval base in Berbera, a port on the Gulf of Aden.
The comments, as reported by Al Jazeera, signal a firm position from the Somali leadership against any Israeli military or strategic footprint in the region.
Al Jazeera’s report, as available, did not include evidence supporting the president’s claim or a response from Israeli authorities. The basis for the allegation and Israel’s position remain unclear.
Why it matters
A public rejection of an Israeli presence by Somalia's president highlights sensitivities over foreign military arrangements in the Gulf of Aden region. The claim remains unverified and attributed solely to the president's interview.
Frequently asked questions
What did Somalia's president say about Israel?
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told Al Jazeera that Somalia will not accept an Israeli presence 'under any circumstances.'
What claim did the president make about Berbera?
He said Israel is planning to establish a naval base in Berbera, according to his interview with Al Jazeera.
Where were these comments reported?
The remarks were published in an exclusive Al Jazeera interview on October 3, 2026.