The Government of Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, has strongly rejected recent comments made by Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Fiqi, calling his remarks “unfounded and inflammatory.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, Somaliland officials criticized Fiqi for making statements that allegedly targeted the region’s democratic electoral process. The Somaliland Foreign Ministry described his comments as “ignorant” and accused him of showing disdain toward Somaliland’s efforts to assert its sovereignty and ensure peace and stability.
The elections held on November 13 in Somaliland received international praise, with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) being commended for conducting a transparent and fair election process. Ethiopia, along with other international partners, praised the elections, calling them a reflection of Somaliland’s mature governance and democratic system.
However, on November 17, Minister Fiqi criticized international diplomats who had endorsed Somaliland’s election, accusing them of undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity by referring to Somaliland as a separate country. Somaliland officials condemned this as a “threat” to diplomats who supported the election, labeling the remarks undiplomatic and ignorant. The government emphasized that Somaliland does not require endorsement from Somalia’s government.
Somaliland reiterated its commitment to independence and development, emphasizing its dedication to building a peaceful and democratic society, unaffected by external interference.
The government concluded with a reaffirmation of Somaliland’s sovereignty, stating that the region’s development would not be hindered by hostile rhetoric from those who fail to recognize its right to self-determination.
Vote counting and tallying from the November 13 elections are still ongoing, according to the NEC.
