NEW YORK, (HAN) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly reaffirmed his government’s position on national unity, dismissing suggestions that Somaliland’s decades-long bid for independence has altered Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Speaking in New York during his international engagements, President Mohamud was asked about Somaliland’s claims to sovereignty. His response was framed carefully to address both domestic and international audiences, underscoring that Somalia remains a single, undivided state.
“There is no state or territory formally recognized as ‘Somaliland’ that has broken away from Somalia,” he emphasized. “The world understands Somalia as one country, with its unity and sovereignty intact.”
Two Realities in the North
The president went on to outline what he described as the “two realities” shaping the current debate:
- The North-East Federal State — functioning within Somalia’s federal constitution and regarded by Mogadishu as an essential pillar of national cohesion.
- A section of the North-West — where some political actors and community leaders continue to pursue separation from the Somali state.
By framing the situation this way, Mohamud sought to demonstrate that while divisions exist on the ground, they have not translated into international recognition or legal separation.
Recognition of Somaliland’s Progress
In a notable acknowledgment, the Somali leader praised Somaliland’s relative stability and democratic structures, which have distinguished it from other regions. “Somaliland has indeed achieved tangible progress, with stability and democracy,” he said.
However, he was quick to stress that these internal achievements do not justify or guarantee secession. Instead, he underscored the importance of unity as Somalia continues to rebuild from decades of conflict.
Unity as a National Imperative
“The most important point,” President Mohamud added, “is that the North-East administration is the backbone keeping the country together, and this fact must be recognized.”
His remarks reflect a broader strategy by Mogadishu to emphasize federalism as the path forward while resisting attempts to redraw Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
Political analysts interpreted Mohamud’s comments as a careful balancing act: on one hand, extending respect to Somaliland’s governance successes, and on the other, reiterating Somalia’s constitutional order and territorial unity.
“This was a message designed both for foreign governments and for Somalis themselves,” said one regional analyst. “He reminded the international community that Somalia’s unity is non-negotiable, while also signaling to Somalis that true peace will come only through shared purpose, not separation.”
The issue of Somaliland remains one of the most sensitive political challenges in the Horn of Africa. Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has built its own institutions, held regular elections, and maintained relative peace. Yet, it has not gained international recognition, leaving Mogadishu and Hargeisa in a prolonged political stalemate.
President Mohamud’s latest remarks reinforce Somalia’s long-standing position: unity above all else.
