M.A. Egge.
Somaliland warns that Somalia’s arms could end up with extremist groups, posing a further threat to regional stability
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, in a strongly worded statement, has on Saturday condemned what it describes as illegal interference by the Federal Government of Somalia in the eastern Sool region, a historically Somaliland territory and in all legalities.
The extraordinary cabinet meeting, chaired by H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, accused Mogadishu of using politically motivated actions to destabilize the region and undermine peace.
In a press briefing, Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture, and National Guidance, Hon. Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, outlined the government’s position, emphasizing Somaliland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The cabinet declared that Somalia’s actions in eastern Sool, including attempts to divide communities along tribal lines, are quite illegal and risk sparking serious tribal conflicts.
“The Mogadishu administration, having failed to rebuild its own state, is now resorting to political distractions to mask its shortcomings ahead of elections,” part of the statement read.
It went on to: –
- Reaffirming Sovereignty
The Republic of Somaliland reaffirms its sovereign status as a free, independent, and self-governing state. Its borders are those inherited at the time of its independence from the United Kingdom on 26 June 1960—borders that were internationally recognized and that constituted the legal foundation of a voluntary union with the former Trust Territory of Somalia. That union, entered into in good faith, collapsed irreparably in the wake of prolonged marginalization, systemic repression, and a brutal civil war. In 1991, Somaliland peacefully and rightfully restored its independence.
Somaliland’s sovereignty is firmly grounded in international law, the inalienable right to self-determination, and the clear democratic will of its people. It is not a speculative claim—it is a political, legal, and functional reality. It is final, legitimate, and irreversible.
- Somalia’s Destabilizing Actions
The Federal Government of Somalia has, in recent months, escalated its campaign of unlawful interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Somaliland—most notably in the eastern Sool and Sanaag regions —through incendiary rhetoric, deliberate political subversion, and the diversion of international resources intended for peacebuilding and reconstruction.
These actions are not only provocative, but also constitute a direct and brazen violation of the foundational principles of non-interference, sovereign equality, and peaceful coexistence as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
These maneuvers are transparently driven by short-term political desperation, aimed at deflecting from Somalia’s deepening internal crises and impending electoral uncertainty.
The Republic of Somaliland unequivocally condemns—without reservation—the deliberate and irresponsible diversion of international aid and arms by the Mogadishu administration to destabilize neighboring regions and undermine Somaliland’s peace and security. Such conduct is reckless, illegitimate, and threatens to unravel regional stability with consequences far beyond our borders.
- Somaliland’s Territorial Integrity Is Non-Negotiable
The regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Togdeer constitute an integral and indivisible part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Somaliland. These regions have played a pivotal role in the establishment and consolidation of the modern Somaliland state and have been unwavering participants in its democratic processes, including constitutional referenda and nation-building efforts.
Attempts by the Federal Government of Somalia to portray these regions as disputed or to exploit clan divisions for political manipulation are reckless, illegitimate, and fundamentally opposed to the collective will of the people. The Republic of Somaliland unequivocally rejects any efforts to impose parallel governance structures or to alter its established borders under the pretext of federalism or political reconciliation.
- A Principled Commitment to Peaceful Engagement
Somaliland has consistently upheld peace as a fundamental pillar of its domestic governance and international relations. The Government remains steadfastly committed to addressing grievances and de-escalating tensions in eastern Sool through peaceful, inclusive dialogue grounded in mutual respect, genuine local ownership, and transparency.
The significant progress achieved in reconciliation efforts within the Sanaag region—spearheaded by a national peace initiative led personally by the President—reflects Somaliland’s earnest dedication and proven capacity to settle disputes through dialogue rather than force. Nevertheless, while Somaliland champions peace, its duty to maintain internal stability and safeguard its constitutional framework is paramount and non-negotiable.
- A Call for International Oversight and Responsibility
The Government of Somaliland urgently calls upon the United Nations Security Council, international donors, and regional partners to exercise vigilant oversight regarding the implications of lifting the arms embargo on Somalia.
Increasingly credible evidence indicates that weapons supplied ostensibly for counterterrorism and national defense are being misappropriated to fuel internal repression and destabilize neighboring territories, including within Somaliland.
The potential diversion of such arms to extremist groups or unauthorized non-state actors significantly heightens the threat to peace and security across the Horn of Africa.
It is therefore essential that the international community enforces stringent accountability measures and ensures full transparency in the deployment and end-use of all military and security assistance.
- Somaliland Will Defend Its Sovereignty
The Republic of Somaliland remains a steadfast and responsible actor in the Horn of Africa, firmly committed to democratic governance, regional stability, and constructive cooperation. It will unwaveringly fulfill its constitutional mandate to protect its territory, institutions, and citizens. Any attempts to undermine the sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland, sow division within its society, or impose illegitimate authority will be met with a firm, proportionate, and lawful response.
The Government affirms its resolve to employ all necessary means—diplomatic, political, and, if required, defensive—to safeguard the hard-won peace and independence that its people have diligently secured over the past three decades.
Conclusion
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland solemnly and unequivocally declares that the Republic of Somaliland will categorically reject any external interference or intrusion into its sovereign affairs. Any deliberate attempts to divide its people, undermine the legitimacy of its government, or destabilize its territorial integrity will be met with firm, decisive, and lawful resistance—as is the right of any sovereign nation committed to protecting its hard-won peace and stability.
While the Republic of Somaliland remains open to sincere and principled dialogue with all genuine partners dedicated to peace, mutual respect, and cooperation, it affirms without equivocation that its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity are sacrosanct and non-negotiable foundations of the state.