Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused unnamed neighboring countries of supporting Israel's recognition of Somaliland.

In an interview with the London-based Arabic newspaper Ashraq al-Awsat, the president accused the countries of seeking to exploit Israel's recognition of Somaliland for their own benefit.

President Hassan did not name any country in his accusation, but said, "Some regional countries are seeking to exploit this opportunity to achieve their narrow and short-term interests by jeopardizing the unity of Somalia and regional stability."

The president, who said, "I don't want to name any country," said in response to this accusation, "However, some may see this recognition as providing them with limited benefits."

After Israel recognized Somaliland, which it considers part of Somalia and has declared its own independent state, last December, many countries and institutions have expressed their opposition in support of Somalia.

However, among Somalia's neighboring countries, Ethiopia and Kenya have not yet publicly expressed their opposition or support.

Ethiopia has been embroiled in a dispute with Somalia since reaching an agreement with Somaliland two years ago.

The Somali president warned that the territorial integrity of his country was a “red line” that should not be crossed; he said his government was using various policies to protect Somalia’s sovereignty.

Although Somaliland has been an independent state for over three decades, it has not received recognition from any country except Israel, which recently granted it statehood.