Waves of protests are taking place across Somalia against what demonstrators describe as the annexation of Somali territory. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Mogadishu and many other cities throughout the country.
Since 26 December 2026, following Israel’s recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, large-scale demonstrations have erupted both inside Somalia and within Somali communities abroad. The protests have been largely self-organized, driven by strong public anger toward what participants call an illegal action.
Young people, in particular, over 70,000 have mobilized in large numbers, including elders, women, traditional leaders, religious groups which host in Stadium expressing intense emotions and condemning what they see as an attack on Somalia’s sovereignty and independence. Protesters have directed harsh criticism and insults at the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Many observers note that these demonstrations have created an unusual sense of unity among Somalis, a society often divided along clan and federal lines. Across regions and communities, people have come together to oppose the decision and voice their rejection of the action
