Somaliland Ministry of Defense Warns Against Incitement to Aggression, Cites Threat to Regional Stability.

Hornpost staff Reporter January 12, 2026 No Comments

Hargeisa (Horn post) The Government of the Republic of Somaliland, through its Ministry of Defense, has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as reckless and dangerous statements attributed to Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, accusing him of inciting external military aggression against Somaliland.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Ministry said it was “profoundly alarmed” by reports that the Somali defense minister had called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to intervene militarily against Somaliland, warning that such rhetoric constitutes a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional peace.

The Ministry cited Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the political independence or territorial integrity of any people, stressing that publicly advocating military action against Somaliland represents an unacceptable escalation.

“This call for aggression poses a grave danger not only to Somaliland but to the wider Horn of Africa, a region already burdened by complex security challenges,” the statement said, adding that the remarks were part of a broader pattern of hostility and inflammatory rhetoric directed at Somaliland by Minister Fiqi, including in international forums.

The Defense Ministry noted that such threats revive painful memories for Somalilanders, recalling the late 1980s atrocities under the Siad Barre regime, when foreign-backed aggression and systematic violence led to the mass killing and persecution of civilians in Somaliland.

“Somaliland’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security are non-negotiable,” the statement declared, warning that any attempt—direct or indirect—to instigate or facilitate military aggression would be met with a firm and lawful response in defense of the nation and its people.

The Ministry called on the Government of Somalia and its defense minister to immediately retract and repudiate the statements, and urged the international community, including regional and global partners, to publicly condemn what it termed irresponsible and destabilizing rhetoric.

While reaffirming Somaliland’s commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and good relations, the Ministry stressed that the country remains fully prepared to defend itself against any aggression aimed at undermining its security and stability.

Press release