Source: Dawan TV
MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reiterated his government’s position on the long-running dispute over Somaliland, saying the issue can be resolved through dialogue or, if necessary, force.
Speaking in remarks reported by local broadcaster Dawan TV, the president reaffirmed that the federal government continues to consider Somaliland part of Somalia, despite more than three decades of self-rule in the breakaway region.
He said the political dispute remains unresolved, even after years of intermittent talks between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
According to Hassan Sheikh, the government sees two possible approaches to the issue: negotiations and what he described as military means.
He stressed that dialogue remains the preferred option for resolving the conflict.
However, he added that alternative measures could be considered if political discussions fail to produce results.
The president reiterated that Somaliland will not be granted independent international recognition under Somalia’s current policy.
He warned that any unilateral recognition could create instability not only within Somalia but across the wider Horn of Africa.
Hassan Sheikh said any future settlement must be based on mutual agreement and political consultation.
He argued that decisions made outside a negotiated framework could deepen divisions and complicate regional security.
The Somali leader also emphasized the importance of preserving the country’s territorial integrity and national unity.
He reaffirmed that the federal government remains open to continued talks with Somaliland authorities.
According to him, dialogue remains the only sustainable path toward a lasting political solution.
The remarks come amid persistent tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Relations between the two sides have remained strained since Somaliland declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government.
Despite governing itself for more than three decades, Somaliland has not received international recognition as a sovereign state.
The Somali federal government continues to assert sovereignty over the territory.
Multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have taken place over the years, but none has produced a final agreement.
Regional and international partners have repeatedly urged both sides to pursue dialogue as the only viable solution.
There was no immediate official response from Somaliland authorities to the president’s latest remarks.
The situation remains politically sensitive, with both sides maintaining firm and opposing positions on statehood and sovereignty.
