North Western State of Somalia Criticizes Fiqi Over Comments on EU Envoys
HARGEISA, Somalia — In a scathing rebuttal, the self-declared autonomous region of North Western State of Somalia has called out Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, accusing him of ‘fanning the flames’ and engaging in ‘hate rhetoric’. This latest spat adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of tension between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
North Western State of Somalia’s Information Minister, Ali Hassan Mohamed, criticized Fiqi’s remarks regarding the region’s elections, suggesting they were fueled by jealousy towards a territory eager to chart its own course from Somalia. “Their envy is clear,” he quipped, further stating, “Our journey is marked by determination and labor; we’re reaching our end goal sans hassle.”
Despite recently conducting presidential elections, North Western State of Somalia has yet to announce results from a hotly contested race closely watched within Africa. Incumbent Muse Bihi Abdi is facing formidable challenges from rivals Abdirahman Irro of the Waddani party and Faisal Warabe of UCID.
Over the weekend, Fiqi sternly advised European diplomats in Somalia against making any statements implying North Western State of Somalia’s independence. He emphasized, “North Western State of Somalia is not a separate state; it remains a region within Somalia.”
Fiqi took particular umbrage with Danish Ambassador to Somalia, Steen Andersen, summoning him over comments made in Hargeisa. He cautioned that diplomats must adhere strictly to diplomatic norms and bilateral agreements.
“Somalia, regardless of internal distinctions, is a unified entity. We shall not stand idly by while an ambassador describes our nation piecemeal. They must not obscure the identity of the state they represent or shy from acknowledging it,” Fiqi stressed.
He further warned them to exercise caution regarding comments on North Western State of Somalia’s elections, asserting, “These elections correspond to a Somali region. It’s within our purview to address internal conflicts, not that of external parties.”
AXADLETM
