Antalya, Türkiye – Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ali Balad, participated in high-level discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, advocating for a coordinated international response to the growing crises in Sudan and South Sudan. The panel, which featured foreign ministers from Kenya and Türkiye alongside World Food Programme (WFP) leadership, emphasized the crucial role of Horn of Africa nations in promoting regional stability.
During his intervention, Minister Balad emphasized three priority areas. First, he called for a harmonized regional approach, urging African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states to align their strategies and avoid fragmented efforts that prolong suffering. He also highlighted the urgent need for improved humanitarian access, proposing special corridors to ensure aid delivery, drawing from Somalia’s own stabilization experiences. Additionally, he stressed the importance of diplomatic unity, advocating for joint Horn of Africa mediation efforts to prevent external interference in regional affairs.
Somalia’s position carried significant weight, given its history of overcoming conflict and its direct stake in the crisis. Minister Balad pointed to the potential of IGAD as a framework for resolving disputes, noting that Kenya’s Foreign Minister had backed Somalia’s call for collective action. Türkiye, a key diplomatic player, pledged support for African-led solutions to address the instability in Sudan and South Sudan.
The crisis poses immediate challenges for Somalia, with over 30,000 Somali refugees currently in Sudan and trade disruptions impacting national security and economic stability. Minister Balad’s engagement at the forum reflects Somalia’s growing diplomatic leadership and commitment to fostering regional peace and cooperation.
