Somalia, 17 January 2026 — Diplomats from various countries in Africa and Middle East attended the historic inauguration of North East State leadership in Las Anod on Saturday, highlighting the broad international support for Somalia’s federal system.
Among the diplomats in attendance were Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Ahmed bin Mohamed Al-Muwallad, and Sudan’s Ambassador Abdelghani Elnaeem Abdelghani. Their presence was widely viewed as a diplomatic signal underscoring support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the strengthening of its federal governance framework.
The ceremony was also attended by diplomats representing Qatar, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
The event brought together federal government leaders, regional administrations, traditional elders, and representatives of civil society, reflecting the political significance of the North East State’s formal integration into Somalia’s federal structure.
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The participation of foreign diplomats comes at a time when Somalia is navigating sensitive regional and international debates related to statehood, recognition, and national unity. Analysts say the presence of multiple ambassadors sends a clear message to the international community that Somalia’s borders and political framework continue to enjoy broad external backing.
Türkiye has long been regarded as a key partner of Somalia in security cooperation, development initiatives, and institution-building, while Saudi Arabia maintains strong diplomatic relations with Somalia based on political support, humanitarian assistance, and regional stability.
Observers note that the Las Anod ceremony went beyond a routine administrative transition, instead serving as a platform for Somalia to project political legitimacy and confidence among its international partners.
The inauguration is seen as reinforcing the North East State’s role within Somalia’s constitutional order, while the wide diplomatic turnout signals continued international recognition of Somalia’s unity amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
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