National Consultative Council Reaffirms Somalia’s Unity, Condemns Israel Move

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Consultative Council (NCC) has reaffirmed the country’s territorial unity and sovereignty, rejecting what it described as an illegal claim by Israel to recognise part of Somalia’s northern regions.

The council, chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by federal leaders, heads of federal member states and Banadir regional officials, said any such move would violate Somalia’s constitution and international law and risk undermining regional security.

In a statement, the council reiterated that all regions of Somalia remain inseparable parts of the state and warned against actions it said could fuel instability in the Horn of Africa.

The meeting also welcomed the recent local council elections in the Banadir region, describing them as progress in Somalia’s democratic transition, and agreed to accelerate elections in federal member states.

On security, the council called for intensified operations against militant groups and praised the Somali National Army for recent gains in Lower Shabelle during an operation known as “Silent Sword”, which it said led to the recapture of key areas.

Somalia has been fighting Islamist insurgents for more than a decade while pursuing political reforms aimed at strengthening state institutions and expanding electoral participation.