GUUMAYS, Somalia — Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi on Thursday toured frontline positions held by units of the Somali National Army (SNA) and Darawiish forces from the North Eastern State administration deployed in the Guumays area, underscoring the federal government’s push to consolidate control and promote national unity.
During the inspection, the minister met commanders and rank-and-file soldiers, praising their role in maintaining security and defending territorial integrity. He called on the forces to remain vigilant, strengthen peace and stability, and counter what he described as foreign-backed projects seeking to divide the country.
Fiqi said he was encouraged by the presence of multiple flags flying over Guumays, an area that had previously been contested.
“I was deeply pleased to see the flag of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the flag of the Somali National Army and the flag of the North Eastern State flying over Guumays — a place where they were not accepted just a few years ago,” he said.
The defence minister added that he hoped the “winds of unity” would soon extend to other areas still under the control of secessionist groups.
“Somali unity must prevail,” Fiqi said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving the country’s unity and sovereignty.
The visit comes amid heightened political and security tensions in parts of northern Somalia, as the federal government seeks to reinforce its authority and counter separatist movements.
