Mogadishu (MFA Somalia) – The State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Ali Mohamed Omar, on Monday (December 29) briefed resident ambassadors and representatives of international organizations on recent political developments in Somalia, highlighting the conduct of local elections in Mogadishu and the government’s position on national sovereignty.
Speaking at a diplomatic briefing in Mogadishu, the State Minister said the Federal Government of Somalia successfully held peaceful and orderly local council elections in the Banadir Region on December 25, conducted on the basis of one person, one vote. He described the vote as the first direct local elections in Mogadishu and its surrounding districts in more than 56 years, noting that the process took place despite security and logistical challenges.
Hon. Ali Omar said the Benadir elections mark the beginning of a broader electoral process, with plans for further district-level polls, followed by state and national elections carried out through constitutional and inclusive mechanisms. He added that the federal government remains open to dialogue with opposition leaders and political stakeholders to strengthen consensus on Somalia’s electoral path.
The State Minister also addressed what he termed an unlawful move by Israel to recognize Somaliland as an independent entity. He said the Federal Government of Somalia categorically rejects the decision, reiterating that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia’s sovereign territory.
He said Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity are protected under the country’s Provisional Constitution, the United Nations Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and that no external actor has the legal authority to alter Somalia’s territorial status.
According to the State Minister, such recognition could undermine international law, disrupt Somalia’s democratic and state-building efforts, and contribute to instability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He also warned that political fragmentation could create opportunities for extremist groups, including Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
The State Minister reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, and said Somalia would not allow its territory to be used for illegal settlements, forced population transfers or foreign military bases.
He concluded by saying Somalia remains committed to constructive engagement with the international community while pursuing diplomatic and legal measures to defend its internationally recognized borders, and called on international partners to uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference.