In a decisive statement during an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed that Somalia's territorial integrity and national sovereignty are a red line that is non-negotiable and cannot be compromised. The president emphasized that any attempts at unilateral recognition of any part of Somali territory, or foreign interference in internal affairs, constitute a blatant violation of the principles of international law and the UN Charter, threatening to undermine the stability of the country and the entire region.
Historical context and geopolitical importance
The Somali president's remarks come at a time of intense political tension in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning the issue of Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, but has not received formal international recognition for the past three decades. This issue is of paramount strategic importance given Somalia's geographical location overlooking the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, making its security an integral part of the security of the Red Sea and the international waterways through which a significant portion of global trade passes.
The dangers of recognition and fueling extremism
In warning of the security repercussions, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud indicated that any move towards Israeli recognition of Somaliland, or any other breakaway entity, could provide a "kiss of life" to extremist groups. He explained that such steps would give the al-Shabaab terrorist movement a powerful propaganda pretext to recruit fighters and raise funds under the banner of "defending religion and the homeland," thus undermining the strenuous efforts made by the Federal Government and the Somali National Army, with the support of international partners, to liberate vast areas from the grip of terrorism since 2023.
Rejection of displacement projects and adherence to dialogue
The president addressed the rumors regarding the transfer of Palestinians to Somaliland, describing them as completely unacceptable from both a legal and moral standpoint. He asserted that this proposal does not represent a humanitarian solution, but rather perpetuates a policy of forced displacement and the uprooting of peoples from their land, a policy rejected by the Somali government and people, as well as by the Palestinians who remain steadfast on their land.
The President concluded his speech by emphasizing that the Somali government always extends its hand for peaceful political dialogue as the only strategic option for resolving internal disputes, warning that resorting to force or unilateral solutions after 30 years of bitter experiences will only lead to further complications and threaten civil peace in the region.
