Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has expressed strong discontent with foreign diplomats who observed the elections in Somaliland on November 13. Speaking in Mogadishu, Minister Fiqi criticized some diplomats for their comments and conduct, accusing them of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty.

“It is unfortunate that Ambassadors delivered speeches where they hide where they represent, claiming a country and yet referring to Somaliland as a separate state. We will not accept such misrepresentations from diplomats assigned to Somalia,” said Minister Fiqi, singling out the Danish Ambassador to Somalia, Steen Sonne Andersen, who was among several European Union diplomats present in Somaliland during the election.

International Partners, including diplomats from Denmark, the EU, and other nations, observed the electoral process across Somaliland, visiting polling stations in Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera, and Gabiley.

In a joint statement, they commended the peaceful nature of the election and praised the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for conducting a transparent voter registration and candidate nomination process.

The joint statement urged all political parties and candidates to respect the rule of law and accept the election results, which are expected later this week. “We stand ready to work alongside Somaliland to further strengthen democracy and accountability in the future,” the statement concluded.

Minister Fiqi emphasized Somalia’s position that Somaliland remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and warned against any actions by foreign diplomats that could undermine this stance.

Over 1.2 million voters participated in the Somaliland election to choose a president and political parties for the next five years in what has been widely acknowledged as a peaceful process.