Somalia Urges Unified Regional Response to Sudan Crisis at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ANTALYA: Federal Republic of Somalia State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Balad, has called for a coordinated African response to the worsening crises in Sudan and South Sudan, during high-level discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Speaking alongside foreign ministers from Kenya and Türkiye, as well as World Food Programme (WFP) officials, Minister Balad emphasized Somalia’s support for a unified Horn of Africa strategy to stabilize the region and prevent further humanitarian collapse.

Balad outlined three key priorities in Somalia’s position. First, he urged African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states to harmonize their efforts, warning that fragmented interventions would only prolong instability.

Second, he proposed creating dedicated humanitarian corridors to ensure the safe delivery of aid, citing Somalia’s own post-conflict recovery experience. Lastly, he stressed the need for collective regional diplomacy, advocating for joint mediation efforts to minimize external interference.

“Somalia understands the cost of conflict. We believe regional unity is not just strategic—it is essential,” Balad said, reaffirming Somalia’s backing for IGAD as a platform for conflict resolution.

Kenya’s Foreign Minister expressed support for Somalia’s call for collective action, while Türkiye pledged its commitment to African-led solutions in managing the crisis.

The Sudanese conflict has direct repercussions for Somalia, with over 30,000 Somali refugees stranded in Sudan and trade disruptions threatening national security and economic stability.

Minister Balad’s intervention reflects Somalia’s rising diplomatic engagement and its broader push to take a leadership role in regional peace-building initiatives.