Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, a member of Ansar Allah's (the Houthi movement) political bureau, stated that the current situation in Somalia closely mirrors that of Yemen. He asserted that the divisions in both nations are not rooted in religious, ethnic, or political justifications, but rather stem from differing political experiences during specific historical phases.
In a statement to the Unews agency, Al-Bukhaiti emphasized that "Yemen, like Somalia, has no historical, political, or religious basis for partition." He indicated that the "Zionist entity," with support from the United States and the United Kingdom, exploits such conditions to advance its own interests in the region.
Regarding Israel's swift recognition of the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland," Al-Bukhaiti affirmed that this recognition "aims to enable the Zionist entity to establish a new military foothold in the region." He stressed that "Yemen's position has been decisive in refusing to allow Israel to form a strategic depth from which to launch attacks against Yemen or regional states, or to provide strategic options for its air force."
He added that "Yemen has clearly declared its readiness to target any Israeli military presence in Somalia, considering it a direct threat to Somalia, Yemen, and the countries of the region." Al-Bukhaiti noted that Israeli officials have admitted the goal of this recognition is to establish a military presence near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and an air force base for targeting Yemen.
Al-Bukhaiti commended the positions of Arab states that have objected to the Israeli recognition of so-called "Somaliland." He simultaneously called for transforming these rejections from political statements into "practical programs to confront the Zionist schemes targeting everyone."
He urged Arab nations that perceive the Israeli threat, foremost Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, along with all Red Sea littoral states, to "expedite support for Somalia to restore its normal status as a unified state, while considering its internal circumstances."
Concerning disagreements between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in southern Yemeni provinces, Al-Bukhaiti stated these conflicts are merely a struggle over "sharing the spoils." He asserted that "the states participating in the aggression against Yemen, despite ten years of war and blockade, remain determined to subjugate Yemen and impose their dominance over it." He considered that "talk of granting an independent state in the south is unrealistic in light of these ambitions."
He emphasized that the solution lies in the unity of the Yemeni people and building a consensual political process that accommodates all parties, calling for the utilization of Ansar Allah's presence as a "safety valve for Yemen and for the political process."
Al-Bukhaiti concluded his remarks by affirming that "the presence of Ansar Allah as a regional and international force is a guarantee for Yemen's preservation and the protection of the political process." He reiterated their support for lasting peace in the region, provided Yemen's sovereignty and independence are respected.