Hargeisa, Somaliland – Officials from the Somaliland government held a high-level meeting with representatives of the international community in Hargeisa on Wednesday, aiming to address mounting tensions with Somalia’s federal government over the E-Visa system.
The discussions centered on the recent disagreements surrounding travel and visa regulations that have affected Somaliland residents and foreign visitors alike. Somaliland authorities expressed concerns that the federal E-Visa framework undermines their region’s autonomy and complicates travel for both business and humanitarian purposes.
International partners, including diplomats and development agency representatives, attended the meeting to better understand the region’s stance and to explore avenues for dialogue and practical solutions. The talks reflected growing recognition of the need to balance national policies with regional realities in Somalia.
Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring that citizens and visitors experience minimal disruption while respecting Somaliland’s administrative control over its borders. Observers noted that the meeting represents a rare but significant step toward finding common ground between Somaliland and the federal government, amid a broader backdrop of political tension.
While no immediate resolution was announced, both sides signaled a commitment to continued engagement, highlighting the role of international mediation in preventing disputes from escalating. Local residents and business owners in Hargeisa expressed cautious optimism, hoping that sustained dialogue could ease travel restrictions and improve economic activity in the region.
This engagement underscores the complexities of Somalia’s federal system, where regional administrations like Somaliland navigate their autonomy while interacting with central government policies and international stakeholders.