Somali president offers talks with Somaliland but rules out secession

LAS ANOD, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday reaffirmed that the country’s territorial unity is not open to negotiation, saying the federal government is ready for dialogue with all Somali parties but will not entertain discussions on secession.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the leadership of the newly established administration in the city of Las Anod, Mohamud said Mogadishu is prepared for “dialogue at all levels” with Somaliland’s leadership, while stressing that Somalia’s unity remains a red line.

“All doors to dialogue are open, except the door of Somalia’s unity,” the president said. “Somalia is one country recognized by the international community, and all Somalis belong to it.”

Mohamud also announced that the federal government is willing to facilitate a prisoner exchange between Somaliland and the North Eastern State administration, urging both sides to release detainees as a confidence-building step toward reconciliation.

In a strongly worded speech, the president warned against foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and sharply criticized Israel’s reported decision to recognize Somaliland.

“Mogadishu will never allow Israel to establish a base or any presence on Somali territory or in the Horn of Africa,” Mohamud said, adding that there is “no space for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expansionist agenda among the Somali people.”

He said Somalia has rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland both domestically and internationally, and called on Somaliland’s leaders to abandon what he described as a futile pursuit of international recognition.

“Do not waste your time trying to create a new country,” Mohamud said. “Come and help lead Somalia. We are ready to discuss a better future—one that ensures past injustices are not repeated—but that future can only be achieved through unity, dialogue and compromise.”

GAROWE ONLINE