Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly criticized continued external interference in African affairs, describing it as a major impediment to the continent’s development and stability. Speaking at the Second Italy–Africa Summit in Addis Ababa on Friday, President Mohamud called on member states to safeguard national sovereignty and reject all forms of unilateral actions by external actors that undermine international law.

“We call on all members to reject all forms of external interference and unilateral actions by external factors that undermine international law,” President Mohamud said in his address, stressing that respect for sovereignty is essential for sustainable peace and progress across Africa.

The President emphasized that the principles of the United Nations Charter and the African Union’s Constitutive Act are binding commitments rather than aspirational goals, noting that they form the foundation of collective security and regional stability. He warned against unilateral actions that threaten Somalia’s unity and reiterated that defending sovereignty is a prerequisite for meaningful development on the continent. Any attempts to weaken this foundation, he stated, must be firmly rejected.

During his remarks, President Mohamud also commended Italy for its continued support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). He expressed Somalia’s readiness to strengthen bilateral relations with Italy under the Mattei Plan, Italy’s strategic diplomatic initiative aimed at enhancing partnerships with African countries.

The summit brought together African leaders and Italian officials to discuss cooperation in security, economic development, migration, and broader strategic engagement between Italy and African nations.