Hargeisa (SD) – The Somaliland government has strongly opposed the appointment of Yusuf Garaad Omar as Somalia’s Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

A statement from the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the appointments were intended to mislead the international community’s perception of Somaliland’s independence.

“The Republic of Somaliland is an independent state that fully controls its land, sea and air borders. Somaliland is located in a strategic spot in Africa, particularly in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.” Somaliland’s statement said.

Somaliland has described Yusuf Garaad’s appointment as a “daydream and non-existent claim”, arguing that Somalia has no place in the Gulf of Aden, based on colonial borders on the continent of Africa.

The statement also said that this was a blatant interference and political war against Somaliland, and that it was ready to defend its sovereignty and borders.

Somaliland has informed the international community, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) that Somaliland will never accept the appointment of President Farmajo, and will do everything in its power to protect its cause.

“Somaliland is making it clear to the international community that there are no parliamentarians representing the people and the country of Republic of Somaliland in the indirectly elected councils of Somalia. These are politically motivated positions.” Said Somaliland’s statement.