The president of the South West state, Abdulaziz Laftagareen, has received a warning from Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Mohamed Noor, over his backing Ethiopian troops in Somalia.
The minister declared in a statement that the people of South West State will never submit to the might of a “historical enemy.”
“I speak especially to my people who live in the Lower Shabelle, Bakool, and Bay regions. “We will never be confronted by a past foe who our forefathers rejected from invading upon our territory and occupying our populace,” Abdulkadir declared. His words came after those of the state president of the South West, who commended members of parliament for standing up for their people when they opposed the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from the region and the possible sending of Egyptian troops.
In his address, Laftagareen compared the Somali Youth League (SYL) heroes to the 25 MPs who stood up for the people of South West State, saying, “The MPs who supported the will of their people are similar to the 13 SYL.”
In Somalia, the SYL was the original political party. It was crucial to the country’s journey toward independence in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
The minister of defense emphasized how important it is for Somali leaders to fulfill their duty to the next generation to leave behind a united, liberated, and resource-secure Somalia.
“Our duty is to fully and cleanly uphold the trust our ancestors placed in us, regardless of any other oversights.” No one has the right to misuse the principles of independence, unity, and the interests of the Somali nation,” he said.
Laftagareen may have compared them to the SYL, but Abdulkadir maintained that the outfit is still a representation of the Somali people and their existence. He reminded the South West State MPs of the dignity that comes with holding their positions.
The symbol of SYL represents independence, resistance to oppression, and a historical honor that must be protected. I urge the MPs and politicians from South West State to recognize that the seats they occupy carry a respected history that must be safeguarded,” Abdulkadir said.
This occurs along with the Federal Government of Somalia’s ongoing efforts to have all Ethiopian troops evacuate its borders.
Ever since Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland inked an agreement to lease Ethiopia’s port for 50 years, the two nations have been at odds.
Somalia maintains that the agreement is unlawful and that Somaliland is a part of its territory.
