PRETORIA — African ambassadors stationed in South Africa have expressed strong opposition to what they termed foreign interference jeopardizing Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The diplomats, convening for a summit in Pretoria on Friday, reaffirmed their unwavering backing for the nation’s sovereignty and unity amidst growing regional tensions.
Focus on Sovereignty
Somalia’s Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Mohamed Sheikh Isaq, addressed the gathering, which included envoys from across the continent. He informed the attendees that any external measures recognizing or legitimizing breakaway regions in northern Somalia would constitute a breach of international law and compromise regional stability.
The summit focused heavily on measures affecting peace, security, and stability across the African continent. During the deliberations, the diplomats discussed reports regarding Israel‘s purported recognition of Somaliland.
Warnings of Instability
Ambassador Isaq cautioned that such moves could establish a harmful precedent for Africa by promoting secessionist demands and eroding established boundaries.
“Any endeavor to divide Somalia is unacceptable and contradicts the United Nations Charter and global legal standards,” Ambassador Isaq stated.
He further warned that such measures risk transferring geopolitical conflicts from the Middle East to the Horn of Africa, presenting a significant danger to peace in the region.
Continental Solidarity
Attendees emphasized that maintaining Somalia’s territorial integrity, encompassing authority over its territory and airspace, constitutes a shared obligation for African nations and the African Union. They concurred that acknowledging separatist entities would provoke instability extending beyond Somalia’s frontiers.
The gathering concluded with renewed continental solidarity toward the Federal Government of Somalia and an appeal to the worldwide community to honor internationally acknowledged borders.
