Somali National Security Advisor Warns Against Sovereignty Violations at Global Security Forum

GOOBJOOG NEWS|DOHA: Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Awes Haji Yusuf Ahmed, has warned that unilateral recognition arrangements that bypass national governments risk undermining regional stability, while calling for stronger international cooperation against terrorism and maritime threats.

Addressing the Global Security Forum on October 21, Ahmed said respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain central to international relations.

“Any action that undermines a country’s sovereignty, unity, or territorial integrity” could set a dangerous precedent, he said, including recognition arrangements that disregard a national government’s authority.

He warned against applying sovereignty and non-interference principles selectively. His remarks did not identify a specific country or recognition arrangement.

Ahmed described Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab and ISIS Somalia as the primary threats shaping Somalia’s security environment, stressing that both groups form part of wider terrorist networks whose ambitions extend beyond national borders.

He said Somalia’s response combines military operations with efforts to strengthen state institutions, protect national unity and establish lasting government authority.

“Our objective is not simply to contain threats, but to establish a sustainable security environment,” he said.

Outlining what he described as progress over the past five years, Ahmed said more than 55 percent of territory previously under terrorist control had been returned to government authority and at least 1.5 million people freed from militant coercion.

He also reported a 35 percent reduction in terrorist financing. The remarks did not provide supporting data or explain how those figures were calculated.

Ahmed said Somalia remained committed to working with neighbouring countries on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, border security and efforts to combat transnational organised crime.

He also called for coordinated action to protect the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz, describing them as vital corridors for international trade whose disruption has consequences beyond the region.

Somalia, he said, would work with regional and international partners to safeguard maritime security, uphold freedom of navigation under international law and prevent terrorist groups from exploiting strategic shipping routes.

Concluding his address, Ahmed argued that military strength alone could not sustain peace, urging countries to build security partnerships founded on mutual respect, shared responsibility and consistent adherence to international law.