Defence Minister Fiqi Urges Troops in Las Anod to Safeguard Unity

LAS ANOD: Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has urged government troops and local security forces in the north-east to prepare to defend the country’s sovereignty, warning against what he described as growing foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.

Speaking to a joint assembly of the Somali National Army (SNA) and regional security units during an inspection visit, Fiqi said the armed forces had a responsibility not only to maintain security but also to protect the country’s territorial integrity and political unity.

“Our duty is to strengthen peace, protect the unity and solidarity of the country, and prevent any foreign interference aimed at dividing Somalia,” he told the troops, according to a statement from the defence ministry.

Las Anod and surrounding areas have become a focal point in the federal government’s efforts to assert authority and counter secessionist pressures, as Mogadishu seeks to reinforce cooperation between national and regional forces.

Fiqi praised coordination between the SNA and local security units, describing their joint operations as a model for other regions. He warned that Somalia’s adversaries were seeking to exploit internal divisions, calling for a unified national response.

The visit comes amid heightened political tensions, following reports of external actors engaging with Somali regions outside the federal framework. The government has repeatedly said such moves threaten national sovereignty.

Fiqi said the defence ministry would continue to support forces on the ground with resources and logistics, stressing that safeguarding Somalia’s borders and unity remained a non-negotiable priority for the federal government.