Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has strongly criticized the UK’s Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, for comments that referred to Somalia and the self-declared region of Somaliland as separate entities.
The remarks, made by the ambassador in connection with the activities of a humanitarian organization, have sparked a diplomatic row, with Somalia’s government viewing them as a direct challenge to the country’s sovereignty and unity.
In a brief remark on Friday, Minister Fiqi condemned the ambassador’s use of the terms “Somalia” and “Somaliland” in a way that suggested they were distinct entities. “The fragmentation of a unified entity and its reclassification under two distinct names is utterly unacceptable and constitutes a blatant attack on the sovereignty and unity of Somalia,” Fiqi stated. He further emphasized that the Somali government views any such language as an attempt to undermine the territorial integrity of the nation.
Somaliland, a region in northern Somalia, declared independence from the rest of the country in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. However, it has not been recognized as a sovereign state by any country, including the United Kingdom, and the issue of Somaliland’s status remains a sensitive topic in Somali politics.
Mustaqbal
Ugandans are mourning the death at 27 of one of the country's best-known footballers after…
The Federal Government of Somalia’s Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting today in Mogadishu,…
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdisalam…
Puntland authorities have confirmed that regional security forces have taken control of bases previously occupied…
Puntland Security Force (PSF) personnel have withdrawn from their long-held base in Bosaso, with Puntland…
Nigerian soldiers are to get a pay increase of up to 80% - their second…