Somaliland has “no plans for dialogue to discuss unity with Somalia.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the self-declared state clarified its stance following the remarks of the President of Uganda. Yoweri Museveni offered to mediate in the long-standing dispute on Saturday, aiming to facilitate the reunification of the two entities.
Hargeisa, Somaliland, SOMALIA. By Yahya:
The Ministry’s press release, dated yesterday, reads, “The Somaliland Government affirms that any dialogue that transpires between Somaliland and Somalia will not discuss unification, but rather how the two previously united countries can move forward separately. Therefore, the Republic of Somaliland once again confirms to the African Union and the rest of the international community that it has no plans for dialogue to discuss unity with Somalia.”
The statement is most likely a response to the remarks of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who said on Saturday that his country did not support the secession of the Somaliland region from Somalia and offered to mediate in the long-standing dispute. Museveni outlined his objective – to facilitate the reunification of the two entities after more than three decades of separation.
Museveni’s mediation offer
The announcement came after President Museveni met the Special Envoy from the self-declared Somaliland Republic, Jama Musse Jama, in Entebbe on Friday. During the meeting, Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s stance against the secession of Somaliland from Somalia, emphasizing that it is strategically wrong. These remarks could not be taken well by the Hargeisa government, which has long sought international recognition.
“We do not support the secession of Somaliland from Somalia because, strategically, it is wrong. People face similar challenges regardless of race and religion; hence, they should embrace the politics of interest, which is more important than the politics of identity,” President Museveni stated. He further expressed his commitment to take on the role of a peace facilitator between the two entities. However, Somaliland’s press release from yesterday indicates that Museveni’s offer would likely not succeed.
