The Somali government is making fresh moves to rally Arab nations against investing in Somaliland. This comes at a time when tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa are reaching new heights, with the breakaway region getting closer to Israel.
Minister Makes Direct Appeal to Arab States
Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, has been going around Arab countries asking them to stay away from any business deals with Somaliland.
According to reports from Dawan TV, the minister told Arab governments to avoid investing or doing any commercial work with Somaliland.
His reason? He says Somaliland is still part of Somalia's internationally recognized borders, and any support for it would be like undermining Somalia’s sovereignty.
The minister made these remarks during his recent visits to several Arab nations, making it clear that Somalia is not ready to let go of its territory without a fight.
What's Really Going On
This disagreement between Mogadishu and Hargeisa is nothing new. It has been going on for years. But things have become more intense since Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state towards the end of last year.
That move really angered Mogadishu, and since then, they have been working hard to get diplomatic support from other countries.
To make matters worse, Somaliland recently opened an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, which did not sit well with the Arab League. The Arab League strongly condemned this move, saying it violates international law.
They even described the embassy opening as a challenge to international law and said such actions are "null and void". The Arab League also made it clear they stand with Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
Money and Ports at the Centre of It All
One of the biggest bones of contention has been the Port of Berbera. Dubai-based DP World has been developing this port, and Somalia has always been against this deal, saying such agreements should go through the federal government in Mogadishu.
Despite Somalia's objections, Somaliland has continued to pursue foreign investment, arguing that they have their own separate institutions and administrative structures.
In fact, Somalia went as far as cancelling all agreements with the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, accusing them of undermining the country's sovereignty.
The UAE had invested heavily in Somaliland, with DP World committing up to $442 million to upgrade and operate the Port of Berbera.
What Somaliland Is Saying
Officials in Hargeisa are not backing down. They have been promoting Somaliland as a good place for investment, especially in ports, infrastructure, logistics, and energy. They are also pushing for more international partnerships, saying they have the right to do so as a separate entity.
Somaliland's Defence Minister even said recently that Israel is training their police and military forces, and they are open for Israeli investment in agriculture and other sectors. This has only made Mogadishu more determined to stop any country from dealing directly with Somaliland.
The Bigger Picture
This fight is not just about land. It is about control, money, and international recognition. Both sides are now seeking support from regional and international partners while pushing their own political and economic agendas.
The latest appeal from Minister Balcad shows that Somalia is not giving up on bringing Somaliland back into the fold, and they are using every diplomatic tool they have to make sure Arab countries do not give Somaliland the recognition and investment it is looking for.
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