ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Republic of Nigeria has issued a forceful declaration reaffirming its “unwavering commitment” to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In a press release issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the Nigerian government declared its unequivocal support for the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the sole legitimate authority representing the Somali people.
The statement, signed by Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, emphasized that Nigeria’s stance is grounded in the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, which mandate respect for the political independence of all member states. By invoking these charters, Abuja signaled that the preservation of Somalia’s national borders is a non-negotiable principle of African diplomacy. “Nigeria declares its firm and unequivocal support for the sovereignty, unity, and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the Ministry stated.
Nigeria also issued a stern warning to the international community regarding recent diplomatic maneuvers in the Horn of Africa. The government urged all international actors to “desist from recognizing any part of the territory of Somalia as an independent entity.” The statement cautioned that such actions would “only escalate the crisis” and must be avoided to prevent further instability. This warning aligns Nigeria with other major African powers that have rejected attempts to fragment the Somali state.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the region, the Ministry noted that the stability of Somalia is “integral to the peace and security of the entire Horn of Africa region and the African continent at large.” Nigeria pledged to continue supporting Somalia through multilateral frameworks and international cooperation, commending the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve peace and national reconciliation despite significant challenges. The statement concluded by calling on all actors to strictly respect Somalia’s constitutional order and support its institutions in rebuilding a stable nation.
