Mogadishu remains the biggest stumbling block and threat to Somaliland’s recognition as a state, President Musa Bihi Abdi has said.
For 29 years, Somaliland has pursued the quest for justice where it seeks recognition as a separate state from Somalia from which it broke away in 1991.
However, Somalia has steadfastly refused to grant that much sought after recognition since it believes that Somaliland is merely one of its provinces.
During a recent interview with VOA in Somalia, Bihi stated that the only solution for achieving lasting peace is for Mogadishu and the international community to recognize its statehood.
Furthermore, Bihi stressed that the world has to embrace the fact that Somalia and Somaliland are two separate and independent nations.
Bihi mentioned that his country embraced democracy, created functional and peaceful systems and institutions, and pursues its own economic goals without being a burden to anyone.
Essentially, President Bihi listed everything the country has done that qualifies it to be labeled an independent state.
Nevertheless, he is cognizant of attempts by Mogadishu to treat the northern territory as part of a single Somali state.
Bihi insists that Mogadishu has continuously used its international connections to fight Somaliland and deny it the much-deserved international recognition.