Monday May 4, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has revealed that former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi agreed in principle to discussions on Somali unity during mediation efforts led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2020.
In an interview last week, Farmaajo said Abiy Ahmed had been actively engaged in facilitating dialogue between Somali political actors, despite long-standing regional tensions and accusations regarding Ethiopia’s role in Somali affairs.
“I agreed. Muse Bihi and I held extensive discussions on the future of Somalia and Somaliland," Farmaajo said.
According to Farmaajo, he urged Muse Bihi to play a leadership role in promoting national reconciliation and addressing past grievances. He said Muse Bihi responded positively to the idea, while also suggesting that Farmaajo should acknowledge historical wrongs affecting Somaliland communities to help reduce political tensions.
Farmaajo further stated that Abiy Ahmed emphasized that Somaliland would not gain international recognition and encouraged a path toward Somali unity. He added that the Ethiopian leader expressed interest in supporting dialogue aimed at reconciliation and regional stability.
The reported Addis Ababa talks did not lead to any formal agreement, with both leaders later leaving office following electoral transitions in Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Despite multiple rounds of dialogue in different countries, including Turkey and Djibouti, Somali unity talks between federal authorities in Mogadishu and Somaliland administrations have consistently failed to produce a breakthrough. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized.
