Somalia’s defense minister vows firm response to threats against sovereignty

DOHA, Qatar — Somalia’s defense minister said the government will not compromise on protecting the country’s sovereignty and will firmly oppose any actions that undermine its territorial integrity or national dignity.

Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera Net while in Doha, where he attended the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) 2026.

Fiqi said Somalia’s recent decision to suspend all agreements with the United Arab Emirates followed what he described as violations that directly affected the country’s sovereignty. He stressed that all military bases operating in Somalia must be under the authority of the federal government and established with full respect for Somalia’s statehood.

The minister acknowledged that the UAE had previously supported Somalia’s armed forces but said that assistance stopped nearly two years ago. He added that some of the support in the past was not channeled through official government institutions.

Addressing why foreign countries seek a military presence in Somalia, Fiqi cited counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts, the country’s strategic location along key maritime routes such as the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and interest in Somalia’s natural resources, including oil, minerals and fisheries.

Fiqi also reiterated the federal government’s position on Somaliland, saying it remains an integral part of Somalia. Any agreements entered into separately by Somaliland authorities, he said, violate Somalia’s constitution and international law.

He warned that recognizing Somaliland as an independent state could trigger renewed instability and undermine efforts to rebuild the Somali state.

The defense minister further voiced concern over what he described as attempts by Israel to involve itself in Somaliland-related matters, saying such moves would threaten Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. He claimed Israel was seeking to exploit Somaliland’s strategic location without regard for local interests and referred to reports alleging plans related to the relocation of Palestinians, assertions that could not be independently verified.

Somalia’s federal government has repeatedly rejected any unilateral arrangements involving Somaliland, insisting that all foreign military and diplomatic engagements must be conducted through Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE