By HAN News Desk
HARGEISA — Emerging reports suggest that Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro has reached out by telephone to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, seeking his assistance in reviving long-stalled talks between Somalia’s federal government and Somaliland, amid mounting international pressure to de-escalate tensions.
Sources familiar with the matter say the call focused on re-opening dialogue channels that have been largely frozen in recent years, as political and security developments reshape northern Somalia. Neither the Somaliland presidency nor the Ethiopian government has publicly confirmed the conversation.
The reported outreach comes as Arab League states and the European Union intensify diplomatic engagement, urging restraint and a return to negotiations to prevent further instability in the Horn of Africa. Regional diplomats have warned that escalating tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa risk undermining fragile security gains and disrupting trade routes across the region.
Ethiopia has previously played a mediating role between Somalia and Somaliland, hosting several rounds of talks over the past decade. Analysts say Addis Ababa remains a key power broker, given its strategic interests in regional stability, border security and access to ports.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s federal government, working in coordination with neighboring Djibouti, is reportedly accelerating efforts to extend the authority of the newly formed Northeastern State administration toward the city of Erigavo. The push is part of broader attempts by Mogadishu to consolidate federal influence in contested northern areas following months of political and military realignments.
At the same time, local leaders and federal officials are said to be laying the groundwork for the creation of a new regional administration in the Awdal region, bringing together members of the Samaroon and Issa clans. Supporters say the move aims to strengthen local governance and representation, while critics warn it could deepen divisions with Somaliland’s central leadership.
Political analysts say these parallel developments are shifting the balance of power in northern Somalia and increasing pressure on Somaliland’s leadership to reassess its political strategy. The loss of influence in disputed territories, combined with international calls for dialogue, has narrowed Somaliland’s diplomatic options, they say.
According to sources close to Somaliland authorities, Hargeisa now sees renewed talks with Mogadishu as a potential pathway to lowering tensions, rebuilding confidence and limiting the fallout from recent political and security setbacks in contested regions.
Formal negotiations between Somalia and Somaliland have been largely dormant for years, despite repeated mediation efforts by regional and international partners. Past talks have failed to produce a lasting framework, with Somalia insisting on territorial unity and Somaliland maintaining its long-standing demand for international recognition.
Diplomats say any renewed dialogue is likely to be gradual and fragile, but warn that the absence of talks risks further fragmentation and instability in the Horn of Africa.
