The federal government of Somalia has reaffirmed its unwavering support to the people of the Awdal region in western Somaliland, who have strongly condemned and opposed the secession and recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state by Israel.

The minister of defence of the federal republic of Somalia Ahmed Moalimi Fiqi in a press meeting on Saturday said the government will stand with the people of Awdal “The government has a clear plan about the matter; we stand with the people of Awdal who proposed the secession, and we will ensure the unity and sovereignty of our county is held in high regard,” said Minister Fiqi.

The Awal region, which is found in the furthest west end of Somaliland and borders Ethiopia and Djibouti, has always distanced itself from the Somaliland secession move since 1984, and the region has sought to have its representation with the federal government. Local leaders, religious leaders, and politicians from the region have also distanced themselves from the sessions’ move.

This comes amid President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent statement that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is an attack on Somalia, and he warned of a secret deal between Israel and Somaliland to allow Israel to set up a military base in the Gulf of Aden and rehabilitate displaced Palestinians in Somalia.