NAIROBI — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” reportedly met with an envoy representing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his recent visit to Nairobi, according to sources familiar with the reported meeting.
The sources claim that Irro requested the meeting, which reportedly focused on the possibility of reviving political dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia after previous talks between the two sides stalled.
According to the sources, Irro has reportedly shown greater flexibility on some of his previous positions concerning relations between Hargeisa and Mogadishu and is interested in reopening communication channels and exploring the possibility of resuming negotiations.
If confirmed, the reported meeting could represent a significant development in relations between the two sides, particularly as disagreements over Somaliland’s political status and Somalia’s territorial integrity remain unresolved.
The reported contact also comes amid increased political and diplomatic activity surrounding relations between Hargeisa and Mogadishu.
The sources further claim that business figures from Hargeisa and Burao recently held private meetings with senior Somali government officials in Mogadishu.
According to the reports, the businessmen expressed concerns about the current political direction and reportedly argued that disagreements over political decisions should not lead to measures that negatively affect Somaliland’s wider population or economy.
The alleged meetings could provide an additional channel for communication between business communities in Somaliland and officials in the Federal Government of Somalia.
The reported developments also come as Mogadishu continues to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with regional governments, international partners and multilateral institutions.
Somalia has been seeking greater international support for its position on national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while maintaining diplomatic efforts to address regional political disputes.
According to the sources, Somalia’s diplomatic activity and growing international engagement may have contributed to renewed interest in reopening communication channels between Somaliland and Villa Somalia.
However, the reported shift should not be interpreted as evidence that the two sides have reached an agreement. Instead, it may indicate an emerging effort to create space for renewed dialogue and negotiations.
Neither Villa Somalia nor the Somaliland administration has officially confirmed the reported meeting or the details of the alleged discussions.
