Oog – While address to newly commissioned officers, Somaliland National Army Commander Brigadier General Nim’an Yusuf Osman delivered a stern warning against external threats while calling for internal dialogue. Speaking at a graduation ceremony in Ainabo, General Osman declared the army prepared to defend the territory’s sovereignty against any incursion.
“You are the guardians of this nation—the swords that will cut down any who dare threaten the sovereignty and stability of the Republic of Somaliland,” he told the graduates.
The Commander framed the army’s resolve as part of a historic legacy, emphasizing that today’s soldiers inherit the commitment of past generations who sacrificed for Somaliland’s autonomy. “We will not waver in defending what our heroes secured,” he stated.
Directly addressing authorities in Mogadishu, General Osman asserted, “Let there be no doubt: any violation of our borders will be met with determined resistance.” He questioned the operational reach of Somali forces, asking pointedly how far they could project within the regions they claim.
To residents of the contested Sool region, particularly Las Anod, he extended both reassurance and resolve. “The land remains. Whatever differences exist between us, they must be settled through dialogue,” he said. However, he clarified that Somaliland’s commitment to peace under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) is contingent upon the inviolability of its sovereignty. “We seek no conflict, but we will not tolerate threats to our territory.”
The speech comes amid increased international engagement with Somaliland, which the Commander attributed to principled leadership and historic sacrifice, not concession. He urged the global community to recognize that formal acknowledgment of Somaliland’s independence would reinforce regional stability.
Concluding on a forward-looking note, General Osman highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen the armed forces in line with Somaliland’s evolving geopolitical standing.
Analysts interpret the address as serving a dual purpose: bolstering domestic morale while sending an unequivocal message to Mogadishu that any military provocation will be met with immediate and full force.
