MOGADISHU — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Friday night that his government is reviewing its policy toward the self-declared republic of Somaliland, in what appears to signal a potential recalibration of Mogadishu’s long-standing stance on national unity.
Speaking during Independence Day celebrations in the capital Mogadishu, Mohamud said the review aims to explore “new approaches” to rebuild trust with communities in the breakaway northern region and encourage renewed dialogue on Somalia’s territorial unity.
“We are reviewing our policy on Somaliland and the northern regions so that we can find an approach that convinces our brothers and sisters to reunite with the rest of Somalia,” he said.
The Somali president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving the decades-long dispute through dialogue, rather than force, and said his government would continue efforts to address the political, economic and social concerns of people in the north.
However, Mohamud did not provide details on the scope, timing or substance of the policy review, nor did he indicate whether it could lead to a shift in Somalia’s official position that Somaliland remains an integral part of its territory.
The remarks come amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity following reports that Israel has formally recognised Somaliland, a move strongly rejected by Mogadishu, which described it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition, despite maintaining its own government, security forces and currency.
It remains unclear whether the announced policy review represents a substantive diplomatic shift or a rhetorical reaffirmation of Somalia’s long-standing unity policy.
