Somalia: Somaliland leader reacts to exchange with Djibouti coastguard
-
- Posted On 19-03-2016, 10:48PM
HARGEISA, Somalia-Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo for the first time commented on an incident involving exchange of gunfire off the port town of Zeila, GaroweOnline reports.
Addressing members of the media shortly after his return from trip overseas, President Silanyoemphasized that Somaliland is committed to self-defense without elaborating and mentioning Djibouti by name.
Two speedboats traded gunfire in waters off the coastal town of Zeila four days ago.
The skirmish flared up after Djiboutian patrol boats tried to intercept fishing vessels licensed by Somaliland marine command.
“Somaliland remains committed to its sovereign interests. We will adhere to this,” President Silanyo told reporters in the capital, Hargeisa.
The maritime skirmish left Somaliland soldier dead, and two coastguards wounded.
Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia declared its independence from the rest of the country as a de facto sovereign state in 1991 but it has not been recognized internationally yet.
GAROWEONLINE
