MOGADISHU — Somaliland ledear Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” is being urged to return to political dialogue with Somalia, with critics arguing that political rhetoric and international lobbying alone will not secure Somaliland’s long-sought recognition.
The call comes amid continued disagreements between Hargeisa and Mogadishu over Somaliland’s political status and its campaign for international recognition.
Those urging leader Irro to reconsider his approach argue that if diplomatic efforts in Washington have failed to produce concrete results, Somaliland should return to the negotiating table and engage directly with Somali political stakeholders.
Washington Efforts Under Scrutiny
Somaliland has for years pursued diplomatic engagement with the United States and other international partners in an effort to gain recognition as an independent state.
However, the recognition issue remains politically sensitive in the Horn of Africa. Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as part of its territory, while Somaliland maintains that it has the right to determine its own political future.
Against this backdrop, some political voices are arguing that Hargeisa should not rely exclusively on international diplomacy.
“If Washington has not delivered what you were hoping for, come back to the dialogue table.”
The message reflects growing calls for a Somali-led political process in which difficult questions can be addressed through direct negotiations rather than confrontation.
Dialogue Could Address Long-Standing Disputes
A return to negotiations would not necessarily require Somaliland to abandon its position on independence or recognition. Instead, supporters of dialogue say it could create a separate political channel for discussing areas of disagreement and potential cooperation.
Possible areas for discussion include security, trade, economic relations, borders, political cooperation and regional stability, as well as the broader dispute over Somaliland’s political status.
A Critical Moment for Somali Politics
The renewed calls for dialogue come at a sensitive time for Somalia, where political disagreements risk becoming more entrenched.
Supporters of negotiations argue that both Hargeisa and Mogadishu should demonstrate political flexibility and focus on finding practical solutions rather than relying solely on public statements or international pressure.
The central question now is whether leader Irro and Somalia’s Federal Government are prepared to put political rhetoric aside and reopen a meaningful dialogue.
For those advocating negotiations, the message is clear: if international diplomacy has not produced recognition, returning to the dialogue table may offer a more constructive path toward reducing tensions and addressing Somalia’s long-standing political dispute.
