Mogadishu (SONNA) — Prominent Somali traditional elders and clan leaders on Tuesday held a large demonstration at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Daljirka Daahsoon) in Mogadishu, voicing strong opposition to what they described as a “so-called recognition of Somaliland.”
Speaking to national media, the elders said any move toward recognizing Somaliland would constitute a blatant violation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and a clear breach of international laws and conventions that safeguard the unity of states.
At the end of the demonstration, the elders issued a joint press statement reaffirming their categorical rejection of any actions or positions that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty or threaten its national unity. They emphasized their readiness to resist any attempts aimed at dividing the country or undermining its religious and national foundations.
The statement urged the Federal Government, political leaders, and all segments of Somali society to stand united against what the elders described as foreign interference, while commending the government’s diplomatic efforts in international forums to counter initiatives targeting Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
The elders further stressed that defending Somalia’s unity and sovereignty is a national duty that cannot be compromised, calling on the international community to respect Somalia’s territorial integrity and avoid steps that could destabilize the region.
The rally comes amid continued public protests in several regions of the country condemning what demonstrators describe as Israeli interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. On Sunday, thousands of citizens—most of them women—also gathered at Daljirka Daahsoon to reaffirm that Somalia is one, indivisible nation and that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic.
Participants expressed full support for the federal government’s efforts to protect national sovereignty, with several telling national media that they stand firmly alongside the state against any actions that threaten the country’s unity.
The demonstrations coincide with growing official and popular condemnations, as well as statements from governments and international organizations, reaffirming that the unity and independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia are fundamental principles that must be respected under international law.
