Large protests broke out in several towns and cities across Somalia on Tuesday in response to Israel's recent recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. Israel announced on Friday its decision to view Somaliland-self-declared independent since 1991 but unrecognized by any other nation-as an "independent and sovereign state."

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the move, labeling it a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. On Tuesday, he traveled to Turkiye, a key ally, to discuss the unfolding situation.

In the Somali capital of Mogadishu, thousands of protesters took to the streets and gathered at a stadium, brandishing placards with anti-Israeli slogans alongside Somali and Palestinian flags. "We will never allow anyone to violate our sovereignty," declared protester Adan Muhidin, calling Israel's decision "a blatant violation of international law."

Demonstrations also spread to Lascanod in the northeast, Guriceel in central Somalia, and Baidoa in the southwest, highlighting widespread opposition to Israel's stance on Somaliland.