King Osman Aw Mohamud known as Buurmadow, who is among Somaliland’s traditional elders has publicly announced that he strongly believes that the only way forward for resolving the political conflict between Somalia and Somaliland is that the two sides to hold talks. In an interview with Dirane Television, King Buurmadow has asserted that Somalia is the closest partner with whom Somaliland can collaborate, further calling on to commence genuine dialogue.
He also stated that he considers incumbent Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to be a suitable person with whom to hold those talks. King Buurmadow publicly disclosed that if Somaliland is given the flag and the capital that he strongly believes that the two sides will reunite. He stated, “If flag and the capital will be given to Somaliland. We should reunite with Somalia. On what grounds should we reject it?”
He further revealed that the establishment of the diplomatic relationship that Somaliland maintains with Israel was the result of political pressure that Somalia imposed upon Somaliland. According to him, had the two sides reached an agreement, Somaliland will would not have needed to establish such a relationship.
He argued that Somaliland’s grievances are political in nature. Meanwhile, he said that it is not animosity against Somalia. He added that if Somalia demonstrated a willingness to engage in a dialogue and resolve existing grievances, he recommended that Somaliland reconsider its relationship with Israel.
The remarks made by King Buurmadow coincides at a time when the relationship between Somaliland and Somalia is at its lowest ebb. The two sides have drifted further apart due to the successive agreements Hargeisa has entered into with Ethiopia and Israel.
