Somalia defends its decision to cut ties with Guinea

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has on Saturday defended its diplomatic relations with the republic of Guinea on Thursday, the 4th July, Garowe Online reports.

The swift decision by Mogadishu came after Guinea accorded the protocol of a head of state in Conakry to the leader of the breakaway region of Somaliland in northern Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi.

The Government has accused the West Africa nation of violating Somali sovereignty and unity.

Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Isse Awad held a special meeting with the foreign diplomats in Mogadishu on Saturday and informed them that his country will no longer accept interference.

“Somalia has been patient with other countries, we’ve exercised utmost restraint,” Awad, told the diplomats, adding that the move to cut ties with Guinea followed a careful consideration of its actions.

The minister sent warnings to other countries that were similarly “violating Somalia’s sovereignty.”

Meanwhile, Somaliland condemned the decision as “clueless and preemptive action” against its quest for engagement with other foreign countries at the highest level.

Guinea is currently hosting the President of Somaliland Musa Bihi on official visit following an invitation by Guinea’s President Alpha Conde. The main motive behind Bihi’s trip remains unclear.

Last week, Kenya caused a diplomatic row with Somalia after it's Foreign Ministry referred to a meeting with Somaliland officials as covering “issues of mutual interest to both countries” in a post on Twitter.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has not yet been recognized by any foreign government as it is being considered a territory in the Horn of Africa country.

GAROWE ONLINE