By Asma Abdullahi - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 26 July 2026 – Somalia has outlined a strategy to safeguard its territorial unity through diplomacy, international law and stronger state institutions, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar said on Saturday at the Institute of Diplomatic Studies.
In a presentation titled "Sovereignty Diplomacy: The Somali State's Defence of Territorial Unity in an Age of External Challenge," Omar said foreign policy should prioritize protecting sovereignty and internationally recognized borders while expanding regional integration and economic diplomacy.
"Diplomacy should remain Somalia's primary tool for addressing external challenges," Omar said. He argued that territorial disputes should be resolved through international law, dialogue and multilateral institutions rather than unilateral actions.
The presentation cited the January 2024 memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland as a challenge to Somalia's territorial integrity. Omar said Mogadishu responded by mobilizing support through regional and international organizations and by pursuing diplomatic engagement that led to the Ankara Declaration, which reaffirmed Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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He also pointed to Somalia's maritime boundary case with Kenya at the International Court of Justice as an example of resolving disputes through legal mechanisms.
Omar said strengthening federal institutions, completing the provisional constitution, improving national security and expanding economic development were essential to reinforcing sovereignty at home and enhancing Somalia's standing abroad.
The presentation called for deeper regional integration through the East African Community and greater foreign investment in the blue economy, agriculture, energy and telecommunications.
Omar concluded that long-term stability depends on combining effective diplomacy with adherence to international law, stronger institutions and partnerships built on mutual respect for sovereignty.