Somali president urges dialogue with Somaliland, says unity is non-negotiable

Sunday 18 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Somali president urges dialogue with Somaliland, says unity is non-negotiable

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on officials in Somaliland to engage in dialogue with the federal government, emphasizing that while compromises are possible on many issues, the unity of Somalia is “non-negotiable.”

Mohamud made the remarks during a visit to Las Anod, the administrative capital of the Sool region, which is also claimed by Somaliland. This marked the first visit by a sitting Somali president to the area in over 40 years. The visit coincided with the swearing-in ceremony of the president of the newly established Northeast State, Somalia’s sixth federal member state.

The Somali president also addressed the controversial move by Israel, which on December 26 officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state — the only country to do so. Mohamud rejected the recognition, stating that it was opposed both internationally and domestically, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.

Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto self-governing region, but it remains unrecognized internationally. Analysts note that Mohamud’s visit and statements are intended to strengthen federal authority and maintain territorial cohesion amid ongoing political challenges.