The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia convened in an extraordinary session numbered SHGW058.01.2024 on January 2, 2024. The Council, presided over by the Prime Minister of the Somali Federal Government, issued this following statement addressing the breach of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Federal Government of Ethiopia.
AFTER HAVING SEEN:
Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which states that Somalia is a Democratic, Federal Republic; and that the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia is inviolable.
AFTER HAVING SEEN:
Article 7, paragraph 1 of the Constitution stipulates that “The sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia extends over all the territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which includes the land, seas, islands and their sub-regions, the subsoil, air space, the continental shelf, and any land or waters that join the Federal Republic of Somalia in accordance with a laws passed by the Federal Parliament.”
AFTER HAVING SEEN:
Articles 53rd and 54th of the Constitution grants the Federal Government of Somalia the legitimate right to enter into international agreements especially in matters related to foreign affairs, economy, national defense, and security.
AFTER HAVING SEEN:
Article 51, paragraph 4 of the Constitution stipulates “All tiers of government are obligated to adhere to the country’s Constitution, without assuming powers or exercising authority beyond what is granted to them within the Constitution.”
AFTER HAVING SEEN:
Article 2(4) of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2625 on the inviolability of the political sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country, stating “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or Political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
AFTER HAVING SEEN:
The principles safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African nations as enshirined in the Charter of the Organization of the African Unity (OAU) and the 2002 Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU). As well as the statutes of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The Federal Government of Somalia issued the following resolution:
1. The Federal Government of Somalia vehemently condemns and strongly rejects the outrageous actions of the Federal Government of Ethiopia in signing an unauthroized Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland (the Northern Regions of Somalia) on January 1, 2024 in Addis Ababa. As stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, national laws, and international legislation, Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and may not enter into international agreements without the involvement and prior authorization of the Federal Government of Somalia.
2. The Federal Government of Somalia views this act as a hostile move that undermines the amicable relations, peace and stability in a region beset by numerous challenges. It constitutes a blatant transgression and intrusion into the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
3. The so-called “Memorandum Partnership of Understanding of and Cooperation” is therefore null and void. It is not accepted by the Federal Government and lacks any legal foundation.
4. The Federal Government of Somalia cautions the Federal Government of Ethiopia to refrain from any actions that infringe upon Somalia’s Sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Furthermore, the Federal Government of Somalia reserves the right to lawfully respond to any egregious measures undertaken by the Federal Government of Ethiopia.
5. The Federal Government of Somalia categorically regards Ethiopia’s actions as an act of aggression and a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
6. The Government of Somalia, drawing upon the strength of its citizenry, is prepared and obligated to defend, safeguard, and maintain the nation’s sovereignty, dignity, territorial integrity, and social cohesion.
7. The Government of Somalia calls on the United Nations Security Council, the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, IGAD, and other international partners concerned with peace and stability in the region and the world, to observe the rules they are founded upon and to fulfill their established responsibilities by supporting Somalia’s right to maintain its territorial integrity and to exert pressure on Ethiopia to return to the confines of international laws.
8. The Government of Somalia requests that the United Nations’ Security Council and the African Union convene urgent meetings to address Ethiopia’s violations and interference with Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
9. In response to this matter, the Federal Government of Somalia is recalling its ambassador to Ethiopia for urgent consultation.
In conclusion, the Federal Government of Somalia will accordingly issue the appropriate directives to safeguard its sovereignty and prevent violations against it; all government institutions and the Somali people are hereby instructed to stand ready for the implementation of these directives.
