The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland has dismissed the recently approved Somalia constitution and reiterated its unwavering commitment to self-determination and established governance structures.
The Republic of Somaliland said underscores its status as a separate and independent nation, with a distinct political identity from neighboring Somalia. This independence extends to legal, political, and constitutional matters. For over three decades, Somaliland has functioned as a self-governing entity, maintaining its own independent legal framework.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland highlights the absence of a mutually recognized constitution encompassing both Somaliland and Somalia during the union and after. The 1961 constitutional referendum in Somalia did not garner the endorsement of the people of Somaliland and its unilateral ratification by Somalia remains a point of historical separation for the two countries,” the statement said.
it added: “Somalia’s recent constitutional development is an internal matter and, as such, any attempt to apply this new constitution to Somaliland lacks legal merit. The provisions of this constitution hold no legal force within the sovereign territory of Somaliland.”
The government of Somaliland reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its own constitution, ratified in 2001 through a transparent and democratic process. This document reflects the will of the people of Somaliland and serves as the foundation for its governance.
Somaliland said it remains steadfast in its pursuit of international recognition and peaceful co-existence with its neighbors.
“We reject any external attempts to impose jurisdiction or undermine our established legal and constitutional framework. We are committed to continued dialogue and cooperation with the international community based on mutual respect for sovereignty and self-determination.”
Elsewhere, Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ali Hassan Mohamed, known as Ali Marehaan, stated on Saturday that the new Constitution approved by the Parliament of Somalia does not apply to Somaliland regions.
In an interview with SAHAN TV, the Minister emphasized that the people of Somaliland have never been part of Somalia’s Constitution.
“Somalia is a state of our neighbours. The Constitution does not concern us. Even in 1960, when a constitution was voted on, we rejected it as it was just for them,” said Minister Ali Marehaan.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but no country has recognized its sovereignty in the decades since.
On Saturday, the Parliament unanimously approved proposals to overhaul the country’s electoral system and reintroduce universal suffrage. This plan has been criticized by former Presidents and ex-Prime Ministers, alongside some other politicians and Puntland State.
However, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underlined that the amended Constitution is grounded in Islamic Sharia and Somali culture, highlighting the importance of the Somali government in finalizing the Constitution.
Puntland’s regional administration announced its withdrawal of recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia, citing the constitutional amendments as a violation of the federal pact that has historically unified the country.