By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 28 May 2026 — Somalia’s federal government said it remains open for dialogue with Somaliland, despite political challenges and external interference delaying talks.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, speaking on Dawan Media’s Mizan Podcast, said the federal government remains committed to achieving a negotiated, peaceful resolution with Somaliland.
“We have always been ready for talks, but in recent years there have been political challenges, including interference from foreign countries,” Jama said, without naming specific nations.
He acknowledged that these factors caused delays in past negotiations but stressed that the federal government still believes a political settlement based on dialogue and mutual understanding is possible.
“The delays affected the talks, but the Somali federal government remains determined to bring Somaliland into a peaceful process built on dialogue, power-sharing, justice, and unity,” Jama said.
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He said that restoring Somali unity requires two parallel efforts: sustained political dialogue and structured state-building with clear policies.
Jama also recognized that Somaliland communities hold historical grievances, particularly in the south, shaped by insecurity, weak government institutions, and unresolved challenges.
“Democracy is the foundation for unity,” he said, highlighting that democratic principles are central to reconciling and unifying Somalia.
Negotiations between Somalia and Somaliland have occurred several times in different countries but were repeatedly interrupted by political disputes, security concerns, and differing views over the future relationship.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following a week-long conference in Burco, but the Somali government maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia.
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