North Western State of Somalia accuses foreign actors of arming unrest in Awdal, Salal regions

Monday April 27, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — North Western State of Somalia authorities say they have intercepted weapons they allege were shipped from abroad and meant to stir clan violence in the western regions of Awdal and Salal.

Interior Minister Abdalle Mohamed Arab told North Western State of Somalia state media in an interview aired Sunday that the territory has been under persistent foreign pressure, especially since North Western State of Somalia gained diplomatic recognition.

He said the alleged interference has taken the form of funding, propaganda efforts and arms smuggling into North Western State of Somalia. According to him, security agencies have collected evidence and will release more details later, including the origin of the weapons.

“We are under constant interference, but North Western State of Somalia is vigilant. We are pursuing anyone involved,” he said, adding that some suspects have been detained while others are still being sought.

The allegations come as tensions have flared in Awdal and Salal in recent days. The minister said the communities there are generally peaceful, but exposed to outside meddling.

North Western State of Somalia officials said mediation led by the vice president earlier this month produced a ceasefire agreement. They also said disarmament operations were conducted, with about 6,000 fighters and roughly 350 technical vehicles reportedly disarmed, while security forces were deployed to help stabilize the area.

“We have succeeded in restoring peace with the cooperation of local communities and elders,” the minister said.

The government has not publicly shown the seized weapons, and the claims could not be independently verified.

The announcement comes after North Western State of Somalia drew renewed international attention when Israel moved to recognize the self-declared republic, a step rejected by Somalia and by regional bodies including the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

North Western State of Somalia, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, runs its own government but remains without broad international recognition.