The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has issued a strong statement reaffirming its sovereignty and warning against what it described as “provocative and destabilizing” interference by the Federal Government of Somalia in the eastern Sool region.
The communiqué followed an emergency session of the Council of Ministers chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) in Hargeisa on Saturday. The meeting was convened in response to what Somaliland called the “escalating and unlawful actions” of the Mogadishu administration, particularly in the Sool and Sanaag regions.
In its official statement, the Cabinet reaffirmed Somaliland’s status as a free, independent, and self-governing state, citing the borders inherited at independence from the United Kingdom on 26 June 1960. The government said its sovereignty is “final, legitimate, and irreversible,” rooted in international law and the democratic will of its people.
Accuses Somalia of Fueling Instability
The communiqué accused Somalia of waging a campaign of interference through “incendiary rhetoric, political subversion, and diversion of international resources” intended for peacebuilding. It alleged that weapons and aid meant for counterterrorism and national defense are being misused to destabilize Somaliland and other neighboring regions.
“These maneuvers are transparently driven by short-term political desperation,” the government said, linking the actions to Somalia’s internal political crisis and looming electoral uncertainties.
Territorial Integrity “Non-Negotiable”
The Cabinet emphasized that Sool, Sanaag, and Togdheer are integral parts of Somaliland, warning that any attempts to exploit clan divisions or impose parallel governance structures would be rejected outright.
“Somaliland unequivocally rejects any efforts to alter its established borders under the pretext of federalism or political reconciliation,” the statement read.
Commitment to Peace but Warning of Defense
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and peaceful engagement, Somaliland warned that it would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity using all necessary means if provoked.
“The Republic of Somaliland remains a steadfast and responsible actor in the Horn of Africa,” the communiqué stated. “Any attempts to undermine its sovereignty or sow division will be met with a firm, proportionate, and lawful response.”
Calls for International Oversight
The government also called on the United Nations Security Council and regional partners to closely monitor Somalia’s use of military assistance following the partial lifting of the arms embargo, warning of credible risks of diversion to extremist groups or unauthorized militias.
Concluding the statement, the Council of Ministers said Somaliland’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity are sacrosanct and non-negotiable, but it remains open to “sincere and principled dialogue” with partners committed to peace and mutual respect.