Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, has criticized the recent meeting held in Nairobi between the leaders of Puntland, Jubaland, and members of the National Salvation Forum, describing its outcomes as serving foreign interests rather than the Somali people.

In a post on his official Facebook page Thursday, Minister Fiqi said Somalia’s future must be decided within the country, not abroad.

“The future of Somalia is decided inside the country, not in a foreign land that serves outside interests,” Fiqi wrote.

He accused the political leaders in attendance of undermining state-building efforts, stating it was unacceptable for individuals “opposed to the establishment of Somali statehood” to deliberate on the nation’s fate.

“The future of Somalia will not be left to those who attacked the Wardhiigley police station and those behind them. Somalia has a legitimate government in place whose responsibility is to guide the country’s future,” the Defense Minister added.

Fiqi further stressed that while Somalia is producing oil, consolidating security, and working toward universal suffrage, it is “unfortunate” that individuals with “known backgrounds” are attempting to dictate the nation’s future from abroad.

The Nairobi meeting brought together Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khayre and Saacid Shirdoon, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur. Discussions focused on Somalia’s political and security situation, with the leaders agreeing to establish a “Somali Future Council.”

The meeting coincides with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s planned trip to Kismayo for talks with Jubaland officials aimed at ending the current political impasse and facilitating upcoming elections.