Mogadishu – The Somali Federal Government has announced that illegally extracted minerals from various locations across the country are being used to finance terrorist groups. In response, the government has pledged to take decisive action against all illicit activities profiting from the nation’s natural resources.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources reiterated its commitment to closely monitoring unauthorized mining operations, which it alleges involve a network of both Somali and foreign individuals and companies.
In a firm statement, the Ministry underscored that, under the Somali Federal Constitution and international law, the exclusive authority to manage and oversee the country’s natural resources rests solely with the Federal Government. It declared that all unauthorized mining activities are therefore illegal and lack any legal standing.
The Ministry further asserted that these illegal operations constitute a dual threat: they are not only a violation of national sovereignty and public property but also a critical source of funding for terrorism, thereby endangering national and regional security in the Horn of Africa.
All groups and individuals involved in these activities were urged to cease operations and abandon their unlawful plans immediately. The Ministry warned that failure to comply would result in comprehensive legal measures from the Federal Government.
The statement did not, however, name any specific groups or individuals. This warning comes amid heightened attention on mining activities in the Sanaag region, which is administered by the Puntland state.
The position of the Federal Government appears to contrast with that of Puntland. The President of Puntland, Said Deni, has previously expressed openness to investment aimed at developing the mineral resources within its territory.
