FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland | 18 February 2026
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland strongly condemns the recent remarks made by the President of the Republic of Türkiye. These statements constitute unacceptable interference in our national sovereignty and are clearly aimed at discouraging the development of constructive relations between Somaliland and our regional partners.
The Republic of Somaliland asserts that the foreign policy decisions of states in the Horn of Africa must be determined exclusively by the region’s own governments and peoples. It is imperative that external rivalries are not extended into our region in ways that risk undermining our shared stability and cooperation.
We call on Türkiye to immediately refrain from taking positions that inflame regional tensions. We demand that they uphold the fundamental principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for the sovereign decision-making of all nations.
Somaliland’s outreach to regional and international partners, as well as our peaceful pursuit of recognition, remain lawful and are firmly grounded in the democratic aspirations of our people. No external statement will deter us from this path.
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