Federal Government Politicizes the Protection of Somalia’s Unity

Garowe, Somalia — Somalia’s Federal Government has launched a diplomatic and political campaign aimed at reinforcing the country’s unity and sovereignty after Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland, a move Mogadishu has described as an intervention that violates international law.

Following Israel’s decision, Somalia’s president has maintained regular contacts with leaders of various countries and international organizations, urging them to oppose the move. The Federal Government has said the recognition threatens Somalia’s territorial integrity and undermines principles of sovereignty and independence enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

The president has also spoken with the leaders of the Puntland and Jubaland federal member states. Information from those exchanges indicates that the leaders agreed that safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty is not subject to negotiation, while also calling on the president to address political disputes that have led to a lack of cooperation between the federal government and the federal member states.

Separately, informed sources told Garowe Online that, in recent hours, the Federal Government has reached out to politicians and traditional elders from some federal member states, particularly Puntland, requesting that they speak publicly on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and clarify their positions.

On Tuesday in Garowe, Sultan Garaase, one of Puntland’s most respected traditional leaders, addressed the issue publicly, criticizing the Puntland leadership and calling for an immediate clarification of the administration’s official position on Somaliland. His remarks were later broadcast on state-run Somali National Television (SNTV).

Since news of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland emerged, political analysts have said the steps taken by Villa Somalia could worsen relations between the federal government and the federal member states.

“The ultimate responsibility rests with the president,” Puntland’s Interior Minister, Abdi Farah Juxa, told Garowe Online. “The president was sworn in to protect the constitution and preserve the unity of the country. Today, there is no constitution agreed upon by all sides, and that has weakened the existence of genuine national unity.”

Some Somali legal experts also told Garowe Online that safeguarding national unity and upholding the constitution are responsibilities that rest directly with the country’s top leadership, noting that the federal member states are integral parts of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Garowe Online