Garowe (AX) — In the unfolding tapestry of geopolitical tension, the recent missile strike by Iran on a U.S. military base in Qatar has stirred a profound response from prominent Somali leaders. Former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have vocally condemned this act, asserting that it not only violates international law but also poses a significant threat to the stability of the Gulf region.

The strike, which occurred late Monday, targeted Al Udeid Air Base—a cornerstone of U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The attack sparked swift denouncements from Washington and its Gulf allies, echoing the sentiments of Somalia’s government and its former leaders.

In a detailed statement shared on Facebook, Farmaajo expressed his dismay, describing the strike as “a blatant violation of international law.” He passionately asserted that such aggression threatens both regional and global peace, urging Iran to abstain from escalating tensions further. “I strongly condemn the Iranian aggression against Qatar that took place today. Launching missiles at the peaceful State of Qatar not only violates international law but also risks more severe confrontations across the region,” he emphasized.

Not to be overlooked, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who served as Somalia’s president from 2009 to 2012, offered his own robust condemnation via a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I vehemently denounce the aggression launched by Iran against Somalia’s sisterly State of Qatar. This act represents a clear violation of international law and stands against the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that nations must uphold.”

His words resonate deeply, especially considering the historical context. Ahmed remarked, “This attack is unacceptable and unjustifiable. My fellow citizens in Somalia are justifiably alarmed by the audacity of military force used in this context. Now is the time for diplomacy to prevail; we must de-escalate tensions and pivot back towards dialogue.”

The remarks from both Farmaajo and Ahmed highlight Qatar’s enduring relationship with Somalia, a connection that has evolved through various political landscapes. Farmaajo’s presidency saw a strengthening of ties with Doha—a friendship that spilled over into domestic politics. His ascent to power in 2017 was notably intertwined with a campaign backed by Qatari support, primarily orchestrated by his chief strategist, Fahad Yasin, who became a pivotal figure in Somalia’s national security architecture.

The depth of this alliance was particularly visible during the 2017 Gulf diplomatic crisis, when Somalia resisted pressures from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to sever its ties with Qatar. Today, Farmaajo resides in Qatar, hinting at a potential political renaissance while cementing his connections within the Gulf state.

Meanwhile, Ahmed, now a vital opposition figure, boasts a historical rapport with Qatari leaders that dates back to his emergence from the Islamic Courts Union, where Qatar delicately navigated diplomatic waters.

The Somali federal government swiftly echoed the sentiments of its former leaders, issuing a statement that categorized Iran’s strike as “a blatant violation of international law and a severe threat to regional peace and stability.” Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its unwavering support for Qatar, emphasizing the Gulf nation’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

“Somalia remains steadfast in its commitment to a rules-based international order founded on respect for national sovereignty, the inviolability of borders, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding,” stated the release.

It’s noteworthy that Somalia severed its diplomatic ties with Iran back in January 2016, attributing it to Tehran’s alleged meddling in its internal affairs and attempts to promote sectarian ideologies amidst a predominantly Sunni populace. Such actions were viewed as potential threats to national unity and stability. At that juncture, Somalia aligned its interests firmly with those of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies.

Despite the formal severance of diplomatic ties, subtle hints of re-engagement have emerged. Recent multilateral forums, like the 2024 Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Jeddah, have seen officials from both Somalia and Iran reconnecting, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tension.

As tensions in the Gulf continue to swirl—amplified by disputes over maritime security and Iran’s role in regional conflicts—Qatar stands as a prominent U.S. ally and diplomatic intermediary, actively engaging in negotiations regarding groups like Hamas and the Taliban. While no casualties have been reported from the recent missile strike, the looming threat of escalation remains palpable.