Puntland Information Minister, Mahmoud Aideed Dirir, said that Puntland has not changed its position on the unity of Somalia, and it has never supported the secession of Somaliland.
Speaking to the press in Garowe, the minister said that Somalia is currently facing international threats due to what he said is poor leadership in the country, noting that foreign powers are currently being used against the country.
“We need leadership that unites the country, if there is no such leadership, nothing can be done,” he said.
The minister warned against foreign interference in Somalia and the Horn of Africa in general, noting that it could affect the stability and development of the country.
He specifically spoke about the role of countries such as Turkey, Israel, the Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt, noting that Somalia needs unity and internal cooperation to counter their influence.
Dirir stressed that Puntland supports the unity of Somalia, and that it is important for Somalis to be united to prevent foreign interference.
“Foreign interference can destroy the overall order and stability of Somalia, and it is important for Somalis to be united,” he said.
Although Puntland has stated that it stands for the unity of Somalia, the Minister of Information has never condemned or commented on Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland.
All other authorities in the country and the Federal Government of Somalia have condemned Israel’s interference in Somalia’s independence, however, Puntland and Jubbaland, which have a political dispute with the Federal Government, have become the two authorities that have not yet clarified their position on the matter.
