The President of the Somali Federal Government, HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, delivered a televised address to the Somali populace, condemning in the strongest possible terms the steps taken by Somaliland. He pointed out that these moves pose a real threat to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia. The President stated that Somaliland has missed opportunities and skipped talks that could have led to a political resolution. He further indicated that the successive administrations in Somaliland did not seize the opportunities for talks that could have led to unity and a national understanding. Instead, they took steps that would distance the Somali populace. The Somali President reiterated on numerous occasions that the current political row is between the Somali populace and its government and could be resolved through negotiations. The Somali Head of State specifically addressed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Somaliland signed with Ethiopia, stating that it was an unexpected move while talks were underway between Somalia and Somaliland. He further stated that this has complicated the expectation of reaching a political resolution. He accused the Somaliland government in Hargeisa of being prone to foreign interference, particularly in their attempts to seek international recognition. On the other hand, the Somali President strongly rejected anything that undermines the unity and sovereignty of Somalia. He confirmed that Somalia is an independent sovereignty and that Somaliland cannot secede through the signature of a foreign country. He stated that the quest for international recognition will not serve the interests of the populace in Somaliland, but rather it serves the interests of foreign entities, which pose a security threat to the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Middle East. He sent a clear message to the Somaliland populace, stating that Somaliland can only achieve genuine recognition from the Somali populace, who share the same religion, culture, and country. He urged the Somaliland government to look at the world’s experience, which shows that secession of Somaliland could be achieved through a political agreement between the two sides. He gave examples of other countries such as South Sudan, Eritrea, East Timor, Taiwan, and Catalonia. The Somali President emphasized that world recognition is not possible for Somaliland unless there is a political agreement between the two sides. He stated that the Somali Federal Government is ready to make concessions and engage in dialogue that will lead to national unity. He further mentioned that they are willing to sacrifice everything in order to have a united Somalia. He expressed deep thanks and appreciation to the Somali populace, wherever they may be, for rejecting moves that are a threat to the country. He also thanked the international community and international organizations for their support of the unity and sovereignty of Somalia.
