Interior Minister Meets Community Leaders, Elders in Adwal over Ethiopia Deal

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ADWAL: Federal Republic of Somalia Minister for Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has held a consultative meeting with traditional elders and community leaders of Awdal over the Ethiopia-Somaliland naval deal.

During the meeting, the elders and community leaders condemned Ethiopia’s intentions towards to encroach into Somalia’s territory vowing that the people of Awdal are ready to protect their land.

The minister assured them that the Federal Government of Somalia will stand firm and protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity saying Ethiopia’s moves violates international laws.  

“Ethiopia always had intentions to cross over Somalia’s territory but the people of Somalia have always defended their land from such intrusions. We will continue to do protect our territory at all costs,” the Minister said.

Senator Deqa Hussein who leads the Internal Affairs Committee of the Upper House of Representatives and Senator Bilal Idris Abdullahi who were also present during the meeting condemned Ethiopia’s actions saying the Somali people will not allow any inch of their territory to be taken over.

Minister Fiqi explained that the meeting was convened in accordance with Somali culture which calls for consulting elders and community leaders when dealing with such issues.