Former state Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia Balal Mohamed Osman comments about UNSC discussions on Somalia.
Having followed today’s United Nations Security Council deliberations in detail, I must express my deep concern regarding the remarks delivered by the representative of Israel about Somaliland region of Somalia.
The statement demonstrated a worrying misunderstanding of Somalia’s social composition and the principles of international law, particularly in suggesting, erroneously, as if all inhabitants of the Somaliland region belong to the Isaaq sub-clan (a respected Somali community whom I regard as brothers and sisters). Equally troubling was the insinuation that statehood may be attained simply through the presence of a permanent population, a defined territory linked to colonial boundaries, and self-administration.
For the record, Somaliland region of Somalia, historically known as the former British Somaliland protectorate, has always been home to multiple Somali communities – not one. The principal Somali-clan families of the region include the Isaaq, Samaroon (Gadabursi), Issa, Dhulbahante, and Warsangeli.
It is also an established fact that support for secession is neither unanimous nor representative of all these groups; indeed, it is only championed primarily by certain political actors within segments of the Isaaq community.
Moreover, the criteria invoked by the Israeli representative reflect an incomplete and selective reading of international law. If territorial definition, population and local governance alone were sufficient for statehood for a region, then the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, which was functioning as a de facto entity for more than five decades would enjoy universal recognition It does not.
This comparison alone exposes the weakness of the argument presented and raises legitimate questions about the motives behind endorsing recognition of Somaliland region of Somalia as an independent state.
Such a move is not merely misguided, it is dangerous. It threatens to set a precedent with far-reaching consequences not only for Somalia, but for the African continent and for global stability at large.
Modern African states, shaped by colonial boundaries, comprise numerous clans, ethnicities and sub-groups.
If the unilateral recognition of a clan-based region of a sovereign nation were to become acceptable diplomatic practice, we risk opening the door to endless fragmentation and conflict, at a time when external powers are increasingly competing for influence and resources across Africa.
That path leads not to peace, but to instability and chaos.
We must, therefore, stand firm and collectively uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence.
The Horn of Africa is already burdened by terrorism, conflict, climate-induced humanitarian crises and economic fragility. To introduce an avoidable destabilizing factor into this equation is to undermine regional peace and security and to abandon the core values of the international system.
