The government said any engagement outside the federal framework would violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Federal Government of Somalia has expressed concern over reports of engagement between Israel and a separatist administration in the country’s northern region, saying any such dealings outside the framework of the federal government would violate Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it was closely monitoring reports regarding interactions between the Israeli government and the separatist administration in northern Somalia.
The ministry stressed that Somalia remains a sovereign and internationally recognised state and that the federal government in Mogadishu is the only legitimate authority authorised to represent the country in international relations.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia considers any engagement or such treatment as a violation of its sovereignty, unity, security of its territories and constitutional system,” the statement said.
The ministry maintained that any political, diplomatic or other form of engagement with the separatist administration outside the framework of the federal government would be inconsistent with international law and would carry no legal or political validity.
Somalia also called on the international community to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The government urged organisations including the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as international partners, to reject any actions that could undermine the country’s unity and stability.
According to the statement, Somalia expects all countries and international organisations to adhere to established principles of international law and recognise the authority of the federal government as the sole representative of the Somali state.
The ministry further said Somalia reserves the right to take all lawful and necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity. These measures, it said, could include diplomatic and legal actions through appropriate international channels.
Despite its concerns, Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue, regional stability and constructive engagement with international partners.
However, the government emphasised that it would not accept any actions that undermine its sovereignty or threaten the unity of the Somali people.
The statement comes amid heightened sensitivity over international engagement with Somalia’s northern regions, which Mogadishu regards as an internal matter falling under the authority of the federal government.
