The visit of Somalia’s Prime Minister to Las Anod constitutes an unmistakable provocation and an outright violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This reckless act is viewed as a declaration of war against Somaliland’s dejure State with internationally recognized borders.
Somalia’s calculated provocation seeks to undermine Somaliland’s decades-long commitment to peace, democracy, and stability in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland has consistently stood as a beacon of progress, resilience, and international cooperation despite persistent aggressions from Somalia. The leadership of Somalia is fully responsible for any escalation of violence, tensions, or destabilization arising from its reckless actions.
The Republic of Somaliland urgently calls upon the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority IGAD, the United Nations (UN), the United States, the United Kingdom, the EU member states, the Arab League, and all responsible international partners to categorically denounce Somalia’s actions.
These provocations directly endanger regional and international security by creating opportunities for extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and other non-state actors to expand their influence in an already fragile region.
The international community must not allow Somalia’s actions to undermine our shared security interests. Failure to respond decisively will exacerbate transnational security threats, displacement, migration, and humanitarian crises that will reverberate far beyond the Horn of Africa.
The Republic of Somaliland reaffirms its steadfast commitment to peace, stability, democracy and constructive engagement with all stakeholders to de-escalate tensions. However, Somaliland will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people.
To put in a nutshell, this visit is the last desperate attempt undertaken by a country that symbolizes more than 34 as the global measure of failed states. It cannot and will not be tolerated. It is a direct challenge to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that underpin international law. Somaliland remains resolute in protecting its borders and the well-being of its people.
We stand ready to take all necessary measures to defend our nation against such acts of aggression, and we urge the international community to join us in condemning this blatant violation as nothing less than a war declaration.
Hussein Adan Igeh (Deyr)
Spokesman for the President of the Republic Somaliland