Farmaajo Says Ex-Somaliland Leader Accepted Somali Unity After Ethiopia Mediation

MOGADISHU — Former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said that former Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi had agreed in principle to reunification talks with Somalia following mediation by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2020.

Farmaajo said Abiy had been actively working to promote Somali unity despite Ethiopia’s historical role in regional divisions, adding that recent efforts signaled a shift toward reconciliation.

He said the initiative emerged during a visit to Addis Ababa, where Abiy informed him that Muse Bihi was also present and interested in bringing the two sides together. Farmaajo said he agreed to the meeting and held lengthy discussions with Bihi about Somalia’s future.

During the talks, Farmaajo said he encouraged Bihi to take a leadership role in a unified Somalia and address longstanding grievances. He added that Bihi was receptive to the idea and, in turn, advised him to issue a public apology to people in Somaliland for past grievances to help rebuild trust.

Farmaajo also said Abiy had told Bihi that Somaliland would not gain international recognition and that unity with Somalia was the more viable path. He attributed past tensions in part to regional dynamics, including the influence of Ethiopia’s former Tigray leadership, but said Abiy was now seeking to foster agreement and cooperation.

Muse Bihi, speaking briefly on the matter recently, confirmed that Abiy had proposed facilitating further engagement, including a possible visit by Farmaajo to Hargeisa. However, he said he did not accept all aspects of the proposal.

GAROWE ONLINE