Somalia has rejected a U.S. proposal to resettle Gaza residents, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi emphasizing the protection of Palestinian rights. The proposal faces opposition, and Sudan has already declined Washington’s request. Somalia maintains important ties with the U.S. for security and financial support.
The Somali government has decisively rejected a U.S. proposal to resettle part of Gaza’s population within its borders, according to reports from Reuters. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi articulated that any initiative that compromises the rights of the Palestinian people to peacefully reside in their homeland will not be accepted. He confirmed that Somalia has not received any formal approach from the U.S. concerning this resettlement issue.
Minister Fiqi stated, “We will never accept any plan to resettle Palestinian refugees on Somali soil,” underscoring Somalia’s stance against the proposal. Ongoing discussions involving U.S., Israeli, Somali, Somaliland, and Sudanese officials pertain to the resettlement of Gaza residents. However, Sudan has already expressed its rejection of Washington’s request in this context.
Reports detail that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to control the Gaza Strip and facilitate the relocation of Palestinians to various countries, including Somalia. The proposal has faced fierce opposition from Palestinians as well as Arab countries, who are collaborating on strategies to reconstruct Gaza and counteract the relocation efforts proposed by Trump.
Somalia’s relationship with the United States is crucial, involving financial and security support, including training for the Danab commando unit and airstrikes against Al-Shabaab. Although a substantial number of U.S. soldiers were withdrawn from Somalia under Trump’s administration in December 2020, the Biden administration reinstated them after taking office, solidifying the ongoing partnership.
In summary, Somalia has firmly declined the U.S. proposal to resettle Gaza residents, emphasizing the necessity to uphold the rights of Palestinians. Official statements indicate a lack of formal communication regarding the resettlement from the U.S. Although discussions continue among various nations, Sudan has already rejected the proposal. The Somali government remains committed to its position while balancing its strategic relationship with the United States.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
