MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government moved to clarify its position on the Western Sahara dispute, saying statements circulating in media do not reflect its official stance and emphasizing that policy is communicated only through formal government channels.
In a press statement issued Saturday, authorities urged media outlets and the public to rely on verified government communications on international affairs. The clarification comes amid heightened regional scrutiny of diplomatic alignments across Africa and renewed international efforts to revive talks over Western Sahara.
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- Somalia said only official channels convey its foreign policy positions.
- It cited United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 as a key framework for a peaceful settlement.
- The government called for direct, serious negotiations under U.N. auspices.
- Mogadishu voiced full support for the U.N. Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy.
- Somalia reaffirmed cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco, grounded in respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“In line with Somalia’s commitment to promoting peaceful solutions, we call on the two parties to engage in serious and direct negotiations with a view to reaching a peaceful, final, and mutually acceptable solution for the benefit of the people of the region, and in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions,” the statement said.
Somalia referenced U.N. Security Council Resolution 2797 as an “important framework” for resolving the longstanding conflict, and reiterated that any settlement should be led under U.N. auspices. The government also expressed its full backing for the efforts of the U.N. Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to reinvigorate the political process between the parties.
At the same time, Mogadishu underlined its intention to deepen its longstanding cooperation with Morocco, stressing principles of mutual respect for national unity and sovereignty. The statement did not announce any policy shifts, instead framing the message as a clarification in response to reports that had attributed positions to Somalia that it said were inaccurate.
The Western Sahara dispute has persisted for decades, with Morocco asserting sovereignty over the territory and the Polisario Front seeking self-determination for the Sahrawi people. The United Nations has overseen efforts to broker a political process, and periodic diplomatic moves — including across African and Arab states — often sharpen attention on how governments position themselves on the file.
Somalia’s statement appeared aimed at preventing misinterpretation of its diplomacy while aligning publicly with U.N.-led mechanisms and the broader goal of a negotiated settlement. It also reflects continuing efforts by African governments to balance bilateral relationships with adherence to international processes on sensitive territorial issues.
Mogadishu said it would continue to communicate its foreign policy through formal statements and urged media organizations to verify any claims about Somalia’s stance on Western Sahara against official releases.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
