Hornpost
“Awdal Fully Behind Somaliland’s Sovereignty” says Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Bakal “Somalia Has No Authority Over Somaliland”
Hargeisa (Horn post) The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Dahir Bakal, on Tuesday returned to Hargeisa following an official working visit abroad, amid heightened political debate surrounding Somaliland’s recognition by Israel.
The minister was received at Egal International Airport by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Abdirahman, along with other senior officials. Speaking to the media at the VIP lounge of the airport, the foreign minister addressed the recent recognition granted to Somaliland by the Government of Israel and strongly responded to statements issued by officials of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Minister Bakal expressed his gratitude to the people of Somaliland for what he described as their overwhelming and dignified reception of recognition, praising public unity and national resolve.
During his remarks, the foreign minister directly responded to recent comments made by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, who had spoken in Borama and the wider Awdal region. Leaving his remarks unchanged, Minister Bakal said:
“I do not even know his name—whether he is called Xuub Caaro or something else—but he is Somalia’s Minister of Defense. Somalia itself is like a spider’s web, guarded by foreign troops, and yet this individual now wants to speak about Somaliland. The federal member states that you once relied on are moving on, so I do not understand why you continue to preoccupy yourselves with Somaliland.”
Minister went on to added that Government of Somalia is not even controlling Mogadishu city stating that they cannot talk about Somaliland minister Bakal said “Frankly, there is nothing to be asked of the group in Mogadishu. They are people protected there by foreign forces, disconnected from what is happening in the world and lacking accurate information. They are individuals hiding in holes like foxes, unable to govern even Mogadishu itself, let alone speak to me about a country, borders, or international sovereignty.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Dahir Bakal Addressing repeated references to Awdal and Borama by Mogadishu officials, the minister stated:
“The Minister of Defense frequently speaks about Awdal and Borama. I tell him this: for 35 years, Awdal was targeted as the place through which Somaliland would be dismantled. But the people of Awdal are wise, they understand clearly, and they have shut every door in your face. I know the four individuals to whom you assigned this project—Somali nationals—and we will bring that agenda to an end, with our eyes wide open. To Xuub Caaro, I say: you will hear words from Somaliland that will shock you.”
The foreign minister also commented on Djibouti’s historical position regarding Somali unity, saying:
“If the Government of Djibouti truly loved Somali unity, they had an opportunity in 1975 to join Somalia. They chose not to make the mistake that we made and decided not to unite.”
In his concluding remarks, Minister Bakal paid tribute to Somaliland’s leadership and citizens for their long-standing commitment to the national cause:
“I thank our President, the leader who made international recognition our top priority and guided us toward it. Secondly, I thank the people of the Republic of Somaliland, who have sacrificed their lives and wealth for Somaliland wherever they are.”
Reflecting on Somaliland’s decades-long pursuit of recognition, he added:
“Brothers and sisters, Somaliland has endured hardship for 35 years. When I assumed office, I told you that the patience of the Somaliland people would be rewarded, and that recognition would come. Allah says Allah is with those who are patient. We knew recognition would arrive, and that patience is never wasted. Allah has accepted our perseverance, and we thank Him. In recent days, the people of Somaliland have clearly demonstrated their desire for recognition, and the world has witnessed the powerful way Somalilanders welcomed the recognition we received from Israel.”
The minister’s remarks come as Somaliland continues to witness widespread public celebrations and political reactions following Israel’s recognition, while regional and international attention remains focused on the implications of the development for the Horn of Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
