Somalia Mulls Troops Deployment Into Somaliland To ‘Protect Territory’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA:The Federal Government of Somalia has announced plans to deploy the Somali National Army to parts of Somaliland in the near future, describing the move as part of efforts to protect the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Abdullahi Mohamed Warfaa, said there are foreign countries and external actors seeking to undermine Somalia’s unity and promote the country’s division.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ambassador Warfaa stated that the Somaliland issue is an internal matter for Somalia and that any external support for secessionist efforts would be unacceptable.
The ambassador stressed that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to preserving Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He noted that plans are underway to strengthen the government’s presence in the northern regions of the country.
Warfaa further revealed that the Somali National Army will be deployed to parts of the northern regions, including Hargeisa and Berbera, as part of the government’s future plans to extend its authority and maintain national cohesion.
The ambassador’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a move that has generated significant controversy and drawn strong reactions from Somalia. He also accused other foreign actors of being involved in efforts that could undermine Somalia’s unity.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own government, security forces, and institutions for more than three decades, although it remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia.