LAS ANOD, Somalia – The Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, delivered a rousing address to a joint assembly of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the local security forces of the North Eastern State today. Issuing a clear directive to prepare for the defense of the nation’s sovereignty, the Defense Minister framed the current security landscape as a critical moment for the preservation of the Somali Republic, urging the troops to act as the ultimate shield against external attempts to fracture the country.
During his inspection of the units stationed in the state, Minister Fiqi emphasized that the primary duty of the armed forces goes beyond maintaining local order; it extends to the protection of Somalia’s historical and political cohesion. He explicitly warned against the encroaching threat of foreign interference, alluding to recent diplomatic maneuvers by external actors aimed at legitimatizing secessionist agendas. “I urge you to strengthen peace, protect the unity and solidarity of the country, and prevent any foreign interference aimed at dividing Somalia,” the Defense Minister told the assembled soldiers.
The Minister’s speech resonated deeply with the forces in the North Eastern State, a region that has become a symbolic and strategic frontline in the Federal Government’s campaign to consolidate national unity. He commended the collaboration between the National Army and the local state forces, describing their integration as a model for the rest of the country. Minister Fiqi stressed that the “naked aggression” facing Somalia requires a unified military and social front, cautioning that enemies of the state are actively seeking to exploit internal fissures to weaken the Federal Republic.
The visit comes amidst heightened tensions following reports of foreign involvement in Somalia’s internal affairs. By directly addressing the troops on the ground, the Defense Minister reinforced the Federal Government’s message that the defense of territorial integrity is non-negotiable. He concluded his address by assuring the forces that the Ministry of Defense is fully committed to providing them with the necessary resources to repel any threat, ensuring that the map of Somalia remains intact and that the aspirations of those seeking to divide the nation are defeated.
