By HAN News Desk
ALGIERS — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has steered clear of the sensitive Western Sahara dispute during his official visit to Algeria, despite the issue being a major point of regional tension in North Africa.
While meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President Mohamud made no public reference to the Western Sahara question — a notable omission given Somalia’s recent diplomatic position aligning with Morocco’s sovereignty claims over the territory.
Earlier this year, Somalia formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and announced plans to open a consulate in the city of Dakhla, a move that drew strong reactions across parts of the African continent. Mogadishu also supported UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on 31 October, which extends the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the disputed region.
During the joint press appearance, President Tebboune of Algeria — a key backer of the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara — struck a cautious and balanced tone. Standing alongside President Mohamud, Tebboune made only brief comments, saying the two leaders had discussed issues related to “the Sahel and the Sahara,” without elaborating further.
Analysts note that Mohamud’s diplomatic restraint reflects Somalia’s effort to maintain good relations with both Algeria and Morocco, two influential North African states whose rivalry over Western Sahara continues to divide African and Arab countries.
The visit focused primarily on bilateral cooperation, including trade, education, and security partnerships between Somalia and Algeria, with both leaders pledging to strengthen ties in the months ahead.
