MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 20, 2026- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signaled a possible shift in the federal government’s approach toward Somaliland and the northern regions, as political tensions and policy signals continue to evolve between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
The Somali federal government appears to be adopting a tougher strategy toward Somaliland, despite President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent remarks about reviewing policy toward what he referred to as the “northern regions,” in an apparent effort to avoid directly mentioning Somaliland.
According to reports and political sources, Mogadishu is considering new restrictions targeting business figures and commercial networks perceived to be closely linked to the Somaliland administration, as part of broader efforts to increase political and economic pressure on Hargeisa.
Reports have also emerged alleging that some Somaliland-affiliated traders seeking to expand business activities into African and Asian markets have faced obstacles and restrictions, although these claims have not been independently verified.
The developments suggest that while the federal government is publicly signaling a review of its Somaliland policy, it may simultaneously be pursuing measures aimed at limiting Somaliland’s economic and diplomatic influence.
President Hassan Sheikh said the federal government was reviewing its political approach toward Somaliland and the wider northern regions.
“Our policy toward Somaliland and the northern regions is being reviewed,” the president said. He added that the government was prepared to facilitate any legitimate rights sought by the people of Somaliland and expressed regret over hostile language used by some individuals associated with his administration.
The remarks come amid continued political tensions between Mogadishu and Somaliland over governance, sovereignty, and international engagement.
Recent reports have also suggested that some Somaliland-linked businesses have faced challenges linked to decisions or requests originating from federal authorities, although officials have not publicly confirmed the details of those claims.
Observers say the president’s comments could be interpreted as an effort to reduce political tensions and reopen channels of dialogue between the two sides.
Relations between Somalia’s federal government and Somaliland have remained politically sensitive for decades.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own institutions, security forces, and electoral processes. However, it has not received widespread international recognition as an independent state.
Successive Somali governments have maintained that Somaliland remains part of Somalia, while leaders in Hargeisa continue to advocate for international recognition.
Relations have experienced periods of dialogue and cooperation, but disagreements over political authority, international agreements, and regional representation have repeatedly led to tensions.
In recent months, exchanges between political figures on both sides have become increasingly sharp, making the president’s conciliatory tone particularly noteworthy.
President Responds to EU Visa Restrictions and Migration Issues
At the same event, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also addressed growing concerns over new European Union visa restrictions affecting Somali citizens.
The president said Somalia was not refusing to receive its citizens who are returned from European countries, but stressed that proper procedures must be followed to verify identities before deportations take place.
“We have not refused to receive our people back,” the president said. “The question is how they are returned and how their identities are verified.”
He further called on undocumented Somalis living in Europe to voluntarily return home.
“Somalis who are in European countries without legal status should return home. We want them back,” he said.
The comments came amid ongoing debate over European migration policies and their impact on Somali citizens seeking visas or residency opportunities.
Officials in Mogadishu have increasingly emphasized cooperation with international partners on migration management while also seeking to protect the rights of Somali citizens abroad.
The federal government has previously raised concerns about deportation procedures and the need for stronger identity verification mechanisms to ensure returnees are properly identified and supported upon arrival.
Government representatives say such measures are necessary to prevent administrative errors and maintain orderly return processes.
The latest remarks suggest Mogadishu is attempting to balance cooperation with European governments while safeguarding national interests.
Migration remains a key issue in Somalia’s relations with Europe, as thousands of Somalis live abroad and contribute significantly to the economy through remittances.
European governments, meanwhile, have continued to push for stronger cooperation on return and readmission policies for individuals without legal status.
Political analysts say the president’s dual message reflects both domestic political considerations and external diplomatic pressures, particularly in relation to Somaliland tensions and migration management with Europe.