GAALKACYO — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has delivered a strong message on national unity during his visit to Gaalkacyo, saying Somalia’s federal political structure should not be allowed to create divisions among the country’s people.
Speaking to residents in Gaalkacyo, the president stressed that federal member states are administrative and political arrangements, while the Somali people remain one nation with shared history, culture, language and social ties.
“People of Gaalkacyo, I want to tell you that what is divided under the federal system is not the Somali people. The Somali people are one. No one can separate us, and no one should deceive you or create divisions among you,” Hassan Sheikh said.
The president’s remarks appeared aimed at reinforcing the idea that federalism should serve as a system of governance rather than a source of division between Somali communities.
He argued that political boundaries and administrative jurisdictions should not be used to weaken the bonds connecting Somalis across different regions. Communities in cities and areas separated by federal borders often maintain close family, economic and social relationships.
Political tensions
The statement comes as Somalia continues to face disagreements between the Federal Government and some federal member states over issues including constitutional reforms, elections, security arrangements and the distribution of political powers.
These disagreements have periodically raised concerns about political polarization and tensions between Mogadishu and regional administrations.
By emphasizing national unity in Gaalkacyo, President Hassan Sheikh sought to underline the Federal Government’s position that differences between political administrations should not translate into hostility or division among ordinary citizens.
A message to Gaalkacyo residents
Gaalkacyo has particular significance because the city is divided administratively between Galmudug and Puntland, while its residents share deep social and economic connections.
The president’s message therefore placed emphasis on the people themselves rather than the political boundaries separating the administrations.
Hassan Sheikh called on Somalis not to allow political actors to exploit federal differences to create divisions among communities.
His central message was that Somali unity should remain stronger than political disagreements, and that federalism should not prevent citizens from seeing themselves as part of one Somali people.
The remarks are likely to attract further discussion as Somalia continues its debate over the country’s federal system, political transition and the relationship between the central government and federal member states.
