By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Kenya, 8 August 2026 – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’ said on Friday that Somalia must implement previously agreed agreements before new talks take place, accusing Mogadishu of failing to honour past commitments.
Speaking to ambassadors, heads of international organisations and development partners in Nairobi, Irro said Somaliland remained willing to engage in dialogue but argued that previous agreements had not been implemented.
"We, therefore, respectfully ask our international partners not simply to encourage dialogue, but also to encourage Somalia to comply with agreements already reached," Irro said.
"Dialogue requires mutual respect, implementation of commitments, and confidence that agreements will be honored," he added.
Irro cited the management of civil aviation and airspace as an example of what he described as Somalia's failure to implement earlier agreements.
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He also accused Somalia's federal government of interfering in Somaliland's internal affairs instead of addressing its own political, security and humanitarian challenges.
The Federal Government of Somalia did not immediately comment on Irro's remarks.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained widespread international recognition. Somalia considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory and has consistently rejected its claim to independence.
Irro reiterated that his administration would continue pursuing what he described as a Somaliland-led approach to resolving the conflict in Las Anod through dialogue, reconciliation and national consensus.