Somalia reaffirms solidarity with Kuwait in maritime border dispute with Iraq

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Federal Republic of Somalia has officially declared its "full solidarity" with the State of Kuwait, issuing a diplomatic warning regarding the potential implications of a recent maritime filing by Iraq.

In a formal press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Feb. 25, 2026, the Somali government stated it is closely monitoring Iraq's submission of maritime coordinate lists to the United Nations. Somalia expressed concern that these coordinates could negatively affect Kuwait’s sovereignty and established maritime zones.

Mogadishu’s intervention emphasizes the importance of adhering to international legal frameworks to maintain order in the Persian Gulf. Specifically, the ministry urged all parties to respect:

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea governs international maritime boundaries.

U.N. Security Council Resolution 833 (1993), the landmark resolution that demarcated the border between Iraq and Kuwait following the Gulf War.

Existing bilateral agreements currently in place between the two nations.

Citing "deep historical and fraternal relations" with Kuwait, the Somali government called for restraint and the use of constructive dialogue to resolve the dispute. The statement concluded by encouraging peaceful means to address differences in a manner that strengthens regional stability and "good neighborliness".

The move signals Somalia’s active diplomatic role in Middle Eastern territorial matters, aligning itself with international consensus on recognized borders.

GAROWE ONLINE