Mogadishu has initiated a diplomatic and political mobilization to defend the nation’s unity and sovereignty after Israel announced it recognizes Somalilanda step the federal government calls an intervention violating international law.
In response, Somalia’s president has engaged leaders from various countries and international organizations, urging them to oppose the move and protect Somalia’s sovereignty. The Federal Government states the recognition threatens territorial integrity and undermines principles of sovereignty and independence enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
Mogadishu also held discussions with the leaders of Puntland and Jubaland, yielding reported consensus that protecting Somalia’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. These leaders also called on the president to resolve political disagreements that have eroded cooperation between the federal government and federal member states.
Separately, knowledgeable sources indicated the Federal Government recently contacted politicians and traditional elders from multiple federal member states, especially Puntland, asking them to publicly address Israel’s recognition and clarify their stances.
In Garowe on Tuesday, Sultan Garaase, a highly regarded traditional leader in Puntland, spoke publicly, criticizing Puntland’s leadership and demanding an immediate clarification of the administration’s official position regarding Somaliland. His comments were later aired on state-run Somali National Television.
Political analysts suggest the measures taken by Villa Somalia since the news broke could strain relations between the federal government and the federal member states.
Puntland’s Interior Minister Abdi Farah Juxa emphasized the president’s constitutional duty: “The president was sworn in to protect the constitution and preserve the country’s unity. Today there is no constitution agreed upon by all sides, and that has weakened the existence of genuine national unity.”
Somali legal experts also said preserving national unity and upholding the constitution fall directly on the country’s top leadership, noting that federal member states are integral parts of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
