PM Barre Urges Somaliland to Rejoin Talks and Reconsider Israel Ties During Las Anod Visit

LAASCAANOOD — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has praised the progress made by the North Eastern State administration during its first year, highlighting developments in security, reconstruction, and political affairs, while also issuing a call for dialogue with Somaliland politicians and criticising the breakaway region’s engagement with Israel.

Speaking during his visit to Las Anod, the administrative capital of the North Eastern State, the Prime Minister urged the people and leadership of the region to continue safeguarding peace, unity, and political stability. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the regional administration and pledged to sustain its assistance.

The Prime Minister arrived in Las Anod on August 2 to take part in celebrations marking the first anniversary of the establishment of the North Eastern State administration and to oversee the launch of government development and public service initiatives in the region.

Call for Dialogue with Somaliland

In a message directed at Somaliland politicians, Prime Minister Barre called for a return to the negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to the grievances and disputes that have long divided the two sides. He stated that dialogue is the most appropriate path to achieving a lasting solution.

“We need to move forward, forgive past grievances, and avoid revisiting previous conflicts,” the Prime Minister said. “Dwelling on past disputes will not lead to a formal resolution of the outstanding issues.”

The Prime Minister’s appeal comes amid repeated and strong condemnation from Somaliland, which has described the visit to Las Anod as a “clear provocation” and a violation of its claimed territorial sovereignty. Tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa have remained high since the establishment of the North Eastern State administration, which Somaliland views as an encroachment on its territory.

Criticism of Somaliland-Israel Relations

The Prime Minister also addressed Somaliland’s foreign policy, expressing disappointment over what he described as the administration’s engagement with Israel. He called on Somaliland leaders to reconsider their approach.

“The path Somaliland has taken has opened in the wrong direction. All Somali people, Islamic nations, and peoples who believe in humanity are opposed to this,” Prime Minister Barre said. “What makes this mistake even worse is persisting in it rather than turning back.”

The remarks come seven months after Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent nation in December 2025. In June 2026, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) visited Israel, where he opened Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem and met with senior Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has been met with widespread condemnation from the Federal Government of Somalia, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other international actors.

President Cirro has denied reports of an Israeli military presence in Somaliland, describing them as “rumors and unfounded information,” while also stating that external pressure would not alter Somaliland’s decision to deepen its relations with Israel.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also vowed to prevent Israel’s “permanent foothold” in Somaliland, describing the recognition as a threat to regional stability and an encouragement to secessionist movements.

Unity and Reconciliation

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Barre asserted that there is no division among the Somali people wherever they may be, but argued that the existing disputes stem from political agendas pursued by some Somaliland politicians. He called for strengthening unity, dialogue, and mutual understanding to ensure stability and development across the country.

His remarks underscore the Federal Government’s position that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia, while also acknowledging the need for political reconciliation to address the longstanding dispute. The call for dialogue, however, has been met with resistance from Somaliland authorities, who continue to pursue international recognition and have deepened their engagement with Israel despite widespread regional and international opposition.

Critical Note

Prime Minister Barre’s dual message of praise for the North Eastern State and criticism of Somaliland’s foreign policy reflects the Federal Government’s continued efforts to assert its authority over the breakaway region while also leaving the door open for dialogue. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains uncertain. Somaliland has consistently rejected Mogadishu’s overtures, viewing them as attempts to undermine its claim to independence. The deepening of Somaliland-Israel ties, including the opening of an embassy in Jerusalem and reported security cooperation, has further complicated the prospects for reconciliation. The Federal Government’s condemnation of these ties, while politically and diplomatically significant, has not deterred Hargeisa from pursuing its international engagement strategy. Furthermore, the Prime Minister’s visit to Las Anod, while welcomed by the North Eastern State administration, has been condemned by Somaliland as a provocation, highlighting the deep divisions that persist. Without a genuine commitment from both sides to engage in meaningful negotiations and a willingness to compromise, the cycle of rhetoric and recrimination is likely to continue, leaving the people of the disputed regions to bear the consequences of unresolved political tensions.