The Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has stated that Mogadishu possesses information indicating Israel is planning to forcibly displace Palestinians to the self-proclaimed region of “Somaliland.” Fiqi described the alleged move as a grave violation of international law and Somali sovereignty.
In statements, Fiqi called on the Israeli government to withdraw its recognition of what he termed the “separatist region.” He asserted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no legal or legitimate right to grant legitimacy to an entity within a sovereign state.
During an interview, the Minister clarified that the alleged Israeli action constitutes a direct assault on the territorial integrity of Somalia. He further claimed that Israel is exploiting separatist leaders, despite the fact that approximately half of the areas formerly known as “Somaliland” have declared their reunification with the Federal Republic of Somalia in the past two years.
Fiqi also revealed that Israel is purportedly seeking to establish a military base in the region due to its strategic location near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea. He warned that this endeavor aims to destabilize and divide countries.
The Minister emphasized that Somalia will resort to all diplomatic and legal means to reject what he described as the Israeli violation. He also noted that the African Union is aware of the danger this precedent poses to the stability of the continent.
Fiqi praised the positions of several Arab and regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, in supporting the unity of Somalia. He also commended the stance of the US administration under President Donald Trump for not recognizing the so-called “Somaliland” region.
