MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somalia National Olympic Committee (NOC) has issued a formal statement condemning recent reports regarding Israel’s alleged recognition of the Somaliland region as a separate entity. In a press release issued on Sunday, the Committee expressed deep concern over the development, characterizing it as a direct threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The National Olympic Committee firmly asserted that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and that any diplomatic maneuvers to recognize it as independent undermine the unity of the nation. The statement emphasized that the NOC rejects any efforts aimed at dividing the country and stands staunchly in support of its territorial integrity. Officials warned that recognizing any region as independent jeopardizes peace and stability not only within national borders but across the broader Horn of Africa region.
In response to the crisis, the Somalia NOC has called upon its international partners to take a stand. The Committee explicitly appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). Furthermore, calls for solidarity were directed toward the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA). The NOC urged these global entities to pressure Israel to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and to recognize the importance of maintaining unity among the Somali people.
The statement concluded with an appeal to all Somali citizens, both at home and abroad, to unite against what the Committee termed “dangerous aggression.” The sports body highlighted that the nation’s strength lies in a collective resolve to uphold the unity of Somalia and defend it against any form of division. The NOC reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of sportsmanship, peace, and national solidarity as it navigates this diplomatic challenge.
