Hargeisa Warns Mogadishu Over “Illegal and Dangerous” War Rhetoric.
Hargeisa (Horn Post) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland has issued a strong warning over what it described as dangerous and unlawful statements by senior officials of the Federal Government of Somalia, who have called for military attacks against Somaliland with the involvement of foreign countries.
In an official press release issued on January 11, 2026, the Somaliland government condemned recent remarks advocating aerial bombardment and external military intervention, stating that such calls constitute a grave violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The warning follows comments attributed to Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, who publicly urged Arab states—specifically Saudi Arabia—to carry out airstrikes against Somaliland, drawing comparisons to the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
The Ministry said rhetoric represents a reckless escalation and poses a direct threat to regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
“Such statements constitute a serious and irresponsible escalation, and a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law,” the press release stated.
The Somaliland government reiterated that Somaliland is not under the authority of Mogadishu, noting that it lawfully restored its sovereignty in 1991 within its internationally recognized 1960 borders. Since then, Somaliland has maintained peace, stability, and a democratic system of governance, the statement added.
The Ministry also warned that the language being used by Somali officials echoes the atrocities of the late 1980s, when the former military regime in Somalia employed foreign mercenaries and external support to carry out aerial bombardments against Somaliland’s civilian population.
“The calls being made today resemble the same rhetoric that preceded the 1988 aerial attacks against Somaliland’s civilians,” the Ministry said, describing the statements as deeply alarming and historically insensitive.
Somaliland held the Federal Government of Somalia fully responsible for any consequences arising from what it termed inflammatory and hostile rhetoric. It called on international partners, regional actors, and Arab states to categorically reject any appeals for military aggression against Somaliland.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace and regional stability, the Government of Somaliland emphasized that it retains its inherent right to self-defense under international law.
“The Republic of Somaliland remains committed to peace but reserves its right to self-defense in accordance with international law,” the statement concluded.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions between Hargeisa and Mogadishu, as Somaliland continues to assert its sovereignty and expand its international diplomatic engagement.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
Hargeisa Somaliland.
