Somaliland is a beacon of peace and stability, celebrated for its steadfast commitment to security and governance. Recently, it has faced challenges arising from political tensions and external influences from countries like Turkey and Egypt. Despite these pressures, Somaliland stands resolute in defending its sovereignty and upholding its principles with unwavering determination.
Our situation is marked by a sharp division in global opinions. While some international voices support Somaliland’s sovereignty and acknowledge its progress, others are intent on undermining it. These critics often unfairly compare Somaliland to the failed state of Somalia, underestimating our achievements and expecting us to be weaker. Yet, Somaliland continues to defy these expectations through its remarkable resilience.
The deep love and commitment Somalilanders have for their country cannot be overstated. Their resolve to defend Somaliland’s sovereignty is unwavering, sustained by a profound sense of duty and the will of Allah Almighty.
Recent developments underscore this challenge. Turkey, in collaboration with Egypt and the Somali government, has led numerous meetings regarding the situation in Somalia. Despite billions of dollars invested in Somalia over the past two decades, there has been minimal progress. As the mandate for ATMIS nears its end, the EU, US, and UK—key donors—have lost faith in ATMIS’s ability to stabilize Somalia. Consequently, Turkey and Djibouti have pledged to support Somalia in replacing ATMIS and stabilizing the Mogadishu government.
Turkey’s opposition to Somaliland is rooted in its failure to persuade Somaliland to abandon its hard-won sovereignty and rejoin Somalia. Despite repeated efforts, Somaliland remains steadfast in its pursuit of independence, frustrating Turkey’s regional ambitions.
Today, I want to assert to Turkey that despite its impressive military, economic, and technological advancements, these achievements cannot overshadow the steadfast determination of Somalilanders. Their commitment to independence and sovereignty remains unshakable in the face of external pressures.
While global attention is focused on the Gaza situation, Somaliland’s struggle for independence has largely gone unnoticed. During its fight against the oppressive regime of Siad Barre in Somalia, Somaliland received minimal international support or attention. Yet, its unwavering resilience and commitment to sovereignty have persisted.
To the governments of Turkey and Egypt, I reiterate that your efforts to deploy troops to Somalia and hinder Somaliland’s recognition are ultimately futile. Egypt should redirect its focus to more urgent issues, such as the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which demands immediate intervention. Additionally, Egypt’s historical military interventions, such as the prolonged involvement in Yemen, raise concerns about potential negative consequences should Egyptian troops be deployed to Somalia now.
