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Somalia criticizes Foreign Diplomats over remarks on Somaliland elections
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    Sunday November 17, 2024

    Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi accused foreign diplomats of violating Somalia's sovereignty and unity following remarks made during Somaliland's recent presidential elections in Hargeisa. 

    Speaking at a graduation ceremony for diplomats on Saturday, Fiqi criticized ambassadors for referring to Somaliland as a separate country, asserting their statements overstepped diplomatic mandates.

    "Unfortunately, ambassadors make statements there while failing to acknowledge they are representatives to Somalia properly," Fiqi stated. "Some even referred to Somaliland as a country, which contradicts Somalia's territorial integrity." 

    Fiqi disclosed that the federal government had summoned Denmark's ambassador and warned all foreign diplomats to respect Somalia's sovereignty. "Future statements regarding Somaliland must clearly state it is a region of Somalia. Failing to do so will lead to appropriate measures," he warned. 

    International observers had earlier lauded Somaliland's National Electoral Commission (NEC) for conducting peaceful and transparent elections. Diplomats monitored polling in Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera, and Gabiley. 

    British Ambassador Mike Nithavrianakis, speaking on behalf of international partners, praised the elections during a visit to Somaliland. His opening remarks drew criticism from Somali officials, who viewed them as undermining the country's unity. 

    Ambassador Nithavrianakis has faced similar accusations in the past. In August 2024, Fiqi criticized him for describing Somalia and Somaliland separately during remarks about a U.K.-funded program.

    "The fragmentation of a unified entity and its reclassification under two distinct names is utterly unacceptable and constitutes a blatant attack on Somalia's sovereignty and unity," Fiqi said at the time.

    The HALO Trust, a U.K.-based organization working in demining and explosive ordnance disposal, has operated in both Somalia and Somaliland since 1999, providing critical humanitarian support in conflict-affected areas. 

    Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally. The region has sought to establish democratic governance, holding its own elections and managing local affairs independently. 

    In contrast, Somalia's federal government continues to assert its authority over Somaliland as part of a unified nation. In June, the Somali government passed a resolution identifying separatism as one of eight key national security threats, alongside terrorism, foreign interference, and climate change. 



     





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