Djibouti revives Somalia Govt’s talks with Somaliland

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The talks between Somalia and Somaliland have resumed in Djibouti, state media confirms, with all parties arriving for the crucial negotiations, which are being spearheaded by Ismail Omar Guelleh, the president of Djibouti.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti for the talks with Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi also attending the meeting. The talks stalled a few months ago after both parties failed to agree on terms and conditions.

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was also part of the team that was trying to unlock the differences between Hargeisa and Mogadishu, which were precipitated by the civil war in the north, leading to agitation for secession of Somaliland.

"President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud jets to Djibouti for crucial Somaliland talks. Joined by Ministers Ahmed Fiqi, Jibril Haji, and envoy Hussein Guled, they aim to find common ground. Somaliland leader Muse Bihi was also at the table. Hosted by Djibouti," state media reports.

Somaliland has been pushing for statehood but the United Nations Security Council maintains that it is part of Somalia. The region, however, runs a separate government with its legislature, executive, judiciary, and central bank.

Throughout this period, Somalia has maintained that Somaliland is part of its territory, a stand which usually leads to a standoff. Somaliland and Somalia formed a union in 1960 after getting independence from Britain and Italy but fell out in 1991 following the civil war.

Somaliland lost SSC-Khatumo regions recently after heavy fighting, with the region insisting on being administered from Mogadishu. It is not clear how long the talks will take in Djibouti but Guelleh has been pushing for reconciliation.

GAROWE ONLINE