MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 3, 2026 — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has renewed his appeal for dialogue with Somaliland, urging leaders and residents in the northern region to engage in discussions with the Federal Government while emphasizing that Mogadishu remains committed to addressing grievances raised by Somaliland authorities.

The president’s remarks came during a public address in which he reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to national unity and called for direct negotiations between the two sides. He also criticized attempts to seek support from Israel in pursuit of Somaliland’s political objectives, arguing that lasting solutions should come through dialogue among Somalis themselves.

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President Hassan Sheikh said the Federal Government remains ready to engage with Somaliland leaders and communities to discuss concerns that have fueled political divisions for decades.

Addressing residents of Somaliland, he stated that Somalia’s pursuit of unity is sincere and rooted in shared history, culture, and national interests. He urged Somaliland leaders to prepare for negotiations and clearly outline the issues they believe require resolution.

“We want you to prepare for dialogue and tell us what can heal the situation and where that solution lies,” the president said, according to remarks released from the event.

The president also questioned the value of seeking support from Israel in advancing Somaliland’s aspirations, arguing that external actors do not necessarily share the same interests or priorities as Somali communities.

His comments come amid continued discussions regarding Somalia’s territorial integrity and Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international recognition.

Government Position on Somaliland Talks

The Federal Government of Somalia has consistently maintained that Somaliland remains part of Somalia and that any outstanding disputes should be resolved through dialogue.

Officials in Mogadishu have repeatedly expressed support for negotiations aimed at rebuilding trust and addressing political, economic, and governance concerns between the two sides.

President Hassan Sheikh reiterated that position, describing dialogue as the preferred pathway toward resolving differences.

According to government officials, Somalia remains committed to peaceful engagement and diplomatic efforts intended to bridge gaps between the Federal Government and Somaliland authorities.

No immediate response from Somaliland officials was available following the president’s latest remarks.

Background to the Somaliland Question

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, the region has established its own institutions, security forces, elections, and administrative structures.

Despite operating with a high degree of self-governance, Somaliland has not received formal recognition as an independent state from the United Nations or any member state.

Over the years, multiple rounds of talks have taken place between Mogadishu and Hargeisa. These discussions have addressed issues including governance, resource sharing, security cooperation, airspace management, and the future political relationship between the two sides.

Several dialogue initiatives have stalled due to disagreements over the framework and objectives of negotiations.

Regional and International Context

The president’s comments also come amid wider regional discussions involving Somaliland’s diplomatic outreach and efforts to strengthen international partnerships.

In recent years, Somaliland has sought deeper engagement with foreign governments and international stakeholders as part of its campaign for recognition.

The Federal Government, however, has consistently opposed any move that it believes could undermine Somalia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.

Political analysts note that relations between Mogadishu and Hargeisa remain one of the most significant unresolved political issues in the Horn of Africa.

What Happens Next

It remains unclear whether the president’s latest appeal will lead to a new round of formal talks between Somalia and Somaliland.

Observers say progress will likely depend on whether both sides can agree on a framework for negotiations and identify confidence-building measures capable of reducing tensions.

Diplomatic efforts by regional and international partners could also play a role in encouraging renewed engagement between the parties.

For now, the Federal Government is signaling its willingness to continue pursuing dialogue, while attention remains focused on how Somaliland’s leadership responds to the latest call for negotiations.

ANALYSIS: WHY THIS MATTERS

The president’s remarks underscore the continued importance of the Somaliland issue in Somalia’s political landscape. Relations between Mogadishu and Hargeisa have implications for governance, national unity, and regional stability.

A renewed dialogue process could help reduce political tensions and create opportunities for cooperation on security, trade, and development issues affecting communities across Somalia.

The comments regarding Israel also reflect the broader diplomatic dimension of the Somaliland question, highlighting competing approaches to achieving political objectives and international engagement.

Whether the latest appeal leads to substantive negotiations will be closely watched by Somali citizens, regional governments, and international partners interested in long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.