MUQDISHU (SD) – Abdullahi Mohamed Warfaa has stated that the Federal Government of Somalia possesses the capability to extend its authority throughout all territories it considers part of the country, including Somaliland.

Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Ambassador Warfaa described Somaliland as an integral part of Somalia and said the Somali National Armed Forces have the capacity to reach major Somaliland cities, including Hargeisa and Berbera, in support of what he called Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

According to the ambassador, such measures could potentially occur in the future if deemed necessary.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa over Somaliland’s expanding international engagement and recognition efforts.

The comments also follow media reports alleging that Israel may have utilized facilities in Berbera during its conflict with Iran. Those reports have not been independently verified, and no official evidence has been publicly presented to support the claims.

Previous reports have also alleged the existence of Israeli intelligence activities in the region. However, Somaliland authorities have consistently denied claims regarding foreign military bases or secret military agreements, maintaining that their relationship with Israel is diplomatic in nature.

The latest remarks from Somalia’s ambassador emerge against a backdrop of growing geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa and increasing international attention on the strategic Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab maritime corridor.

The ambassador’s comments represent one of the clearest recent assertions by a senior Somali official regarding Mogadishu’s claim of sovereignty over Somaliland. While Somalia has consistently maintained that Somaliland remains part of the Federal Republic, references to the military’s ability to reach Hargeisa and Berbera are likely to attract significant attention.

From Mogadishu’s perspective, the statement reinforces Somalia’s longstanding position that Somaliland’s independence claim lacks international legal recognition and that Somalia’s territorial integrity remains non-negotiable.

From Somaliland’s perspective, however, such remarks are likely to be viewed as threatening rhetoric that undermines dialogue and risks increasing tensions between the two sides. Somaliland has maintained its own administration, security forces, and governing institutions since 1991 and regularly argues that political differences should be addressed through peaceful engagement rather than coercive measures.

The timing of the statement is also notable. It comes amid increased international discussion about Somaliland’s strategic location, growing foreign engagement, and reports—whether verified or not—linking Berbera to broader regional security dynamics involving Israel, Iran, and Red Sea maritime security.

While there is currently no indication of imminent military action, the exchange highlights the widening political divide between Mogadishu and Hargeisa at a time when the Horn of Africa is becoming increasingly important in regional and international geopolitics.