Somaliland Accuses Somali Federal Government of Sabotaging Dialogue Principles

The Somaliland adminstration has accused the Federal Government of Somalia of interfering in the regions of Sool and Sanaag, undermining the foundational principles of ongoing dialogue.

In a recent exclusive interview with Galaydh Media, Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi (Looge), expressed his belief that dialogue could resolve misunderstandings between Somaliland and the federal government of Somalia. However, he lamented that the federal government has deviated from its commitments.

“I believe that dialogue can address the broader issues between us and Somalia, but it is unfortunate that the government based in Mogadishu has destroyed the principles that were the basis for dialogue,” said Minister Looge.

He added that the continuation of negotiations depended on the Somali government respecting the borders established during the British colonial period, allowing both sides to engage equally. However, he noted that the Somali government has violated this principle.

“The foundation of the negotiations was that Somaliland and Somalia would engage as equal parties. When the principles meant to facilitate equal dialogue are violated, Somalia has disrupted that process. We have seen conflict in Laascaanood and are aware of the situation in Sanaag. Therefore, we currently see no path forward for dialogue,” he stated.

Negotiations between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia have been ongoing for decades, yet no tangible results have been achieved.

The Minister also discussed the continuation of understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia. He mentioned that Somaliland President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, is set to travel to Addis Ababa soon to meet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss the relationship between the two sides, potential agreements, and the follow-up on last year’s understanding between Hargeysa and Addis Ababa.

His remarks come at a time when some media outlets report the breakdown of an agreement brokered in Ankara between Somali and Ethiopian leaders, which has yet to be implemented since its announcement.

Additionally, relations between the Somali government and Egypt have recently been reportedly renewed, with both sides united in their opposition to Ethiopia’s presence in the Red Sea—a situation that may further complicate relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.

Mustaqbal