MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar (Ali Balcad), has strongly reaffirmed the government’s position on preserving the country’s unity and sovereignty, stressing that while Somalia pursues a peaceful policy based on dialogue, it will not accept any pressure or foreign interference that threatens its territorial integrity.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher’s program Al-Masaiya, the minister said that reports related to the Jeffrey Epstein documents have shed light on foreign interference and activities aimed at undermining dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland.
He noted that there have been communications and efforts by international companies, conducted through unofficial channels, seeking to push for the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
Ali Bal’ad emphasized that Somalia’s policy toward Somaliland is grounded in dialogue and mutual compromise, underscoring that Somalis are “one people, one language, and one religion.” He added that secessionist efforts do not reflect the collective will of the Somali people, and that recognizing Somaliland would not bring peace but instead could create instability affecting Somalia and the African continent as a whole.
The minister made it clear that Somalis will never engage in dialogue under pressure or threats.
Regarding Somalia’s stance toward Israel—particularly following Israel’s support for the recognition of Somaliland—Ali Balcad stated that Israel is obligated to respect Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. He stressed that Mogadishu will not engage in dialogue with any party that violates the country’s sovereignty.
The minister also accused Israel of planning to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Somaliland, describing such a move as extremely dangerous to the security of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. He called on the international community to urgently prevent any action of this nature.
Speaking on regional security, the minister said that regional and international-level talks are ongoing to strengthen stability in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, given their critical importance to global trade and maritime navigation. He warned that any security disruption in the region would have widespread economic and security consequences.
The minister stated unequivocally that Somalia will not allow any foreign military base to be established on its territory without the approval of the federal government. He stressed that any attempt to introduce a foreign military presence would constitute a direct violation of national sovereignty, and that the government would take all necessary measures to prevent it.
He concluded by affirming that Somalia will continue to strengthen cooperation with countries that support its unity and sovereignty, particularly Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, emphasizing that Somalia’s stability is a cornerstone of overall regional stability.