Somalia-Somaliland talks to resume-MP

Talks between Somalia and the break-away region of Somaliland could resume soon, a lawmaker has said.

Ahmed Mohamed Diriye, an MP in Somaliland parliament told Goobjoog News a visiting EU delegation had urged the talks resume following failed attempts in the last three years.

EU delegation led by EU Charge d’Affaires, Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz Monday arrived in Hargeisa where they held talks with President Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland.

The two sides discussed issues concerning Somaliland and Somalia talks reflecting on the significant changes of Horn of Africa and the EU role on the upcoming elections.

Speaking to Goobjoog News, Diriye said that the EU delegation had urged the Somaliland government to open talks with the Somalia federal government.

“We have accepted the request of the EU and it’s very important to have talks with Somalia federal government, but we need the talks to be just like two governments having engaging,” said Diriye

“Opening discussion with the Somali federal government will be on how to be independent but will never be about uniting with them again,” said Diriye.

Speaking during the 58th anniversary of Somalia’s independence on 1st July 2018, president Mohamed Farmajo announced that the government of Somalia is ready to resume the talks between Somalia and Somaliland, but he never disclosed the exact date for resumption of the elusive engagements.

The last round of talks between the two sides in March 2015 in Turkey collapsed and any attempts to revive them have not been successful. Somaliland cancelled its participation similar talks in March this year following a fall-out with the Federal Government over the Berbera port row.

Somaliland which declared a unilateral independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991 has been seeking an international recognition, however, their efforts haven’t so far proved successful.

Goobjoog News