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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has renewed his call for dialogue with Somaliland’s leadership, saying he is ready to make compromises on all outstanding issues except the unity of Somalia, which he described as a firm and non-negotiable principle. He stressed that while political differences can be discussed and resolved through talks, the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain intact.
The president made these remarks during a historic visit to Las Anod, a city claimed by Somaliland but currently under the control of local forces aligned with the federal government. The trip marked the first time in more than four decades that a sitting Somali president has visited the city, underscoring its political and symbolic importance in Somalia’s ongoing state-building process.
Speaking to residents and officials, Hassan Sheikh said he remains open to inclusive dialogue aimed at resolving long-standing disputes between Mogadishu and Hargeisa. However, he made it clear that Somalia’s unity is not up for debate. He emphasized that any future talks must be based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to preserving the country as a single, sovereign state.
During the visit, the president strongly rejected Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. He said the move had been widely dismissed both within Somalia and by the international community, adding that it did not reflect the wishes or interests of the people living in northern Somalia. According to Hassan Sheikh, the decision was driven by Israel’s own strategic calculations rather than concern for regional stability or the well-being of local communities.
He reiterated that Somalia’s unity is protected under international law and that the federal government will take all necessary steps to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also noted that Somalia continues to enjoy broad support from African, Arab and international partners who recognize its borders and political unity.
Hassan Sheikh traveled to Las Anod to attend the inauguration of Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, widely known as Firdhiye, as president of the newly established Northeastern Regional State. The new administration has become Somalia’s sixth federal member state, following months of political consultations and local mobilization. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended the ceremony, along with senior federal and regional officials, traditional elders and foreign diplomats.
In a statement, the presidency described the visit as a powerful symbol of national unity and the federal government’s commitment to defending the territorial integrity of Somalia and the rights of its people. The statement said the trip reflected renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and regional administrations.
Addressing the gathering, Hassan Sheikh described Las Anod as a symbol of Somali unity and resilience. He pledged full federal support for the new regional leadership, particularly in improving security, promoting peace and reconciliation, and strengthening governance and service delivery. He said the federal government would work closely with local authorities and elders to ensure stability and development in the region.
Las Anod has been at the center of Somalia’s long-running dispute over sovereignty and governance. In early 2023, the city came under the control of local forces after months of intense fighting that ended Somaliland’s presence there. Since then, Las Anod has become a focal point for broader debates about federalism, representation and national unity.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, following the collapse of the central government, and has since operated as a self-governing entity. Despite maintaining its own institutions and relative stability for more than three decades, it has not received international recognition as an independent state.
Israel’s announcement on December 26 that it had recognized Somaliland as sovereign sparked strong condemnation from the Somali government, as well as from African and Arab states and international organizations. Somalia has maintained that such unilateral decisions undermine regional stability and violate international norms.
President Hassan Sheikh concluded by reaffirming that dialogue remains the best path forward, but only within the framework of a united Somalia. He said lasting peace and progress can only be achieved through cooperation, mutual understanding and respect for the country’s sovereignty.