Hargeisa, Somalia – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has accused the Federal Government of Somalia of violating Somaliland’s sovereignty by supporting the establishment of a parallel administration in the disputed eastern Sool region.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, President Irro condemned what he described as “deliberate political interference” by Mogadishu, saying the move undermines regional stability and eliminates any prospects for dialogue between the two sides.
“The Federal Government’s direct support for a factional administration in eastern Sool is a blatant infringement on Somaliland’s territorial integrity. Such hostile actions are incompatible with any future negotiations,” President Irro said.
The accusation follows reports that federal officials recently held meetings with local leaders in parts of Sool, pledging administrative support and security collaboration. The region has long been a flashpoint between Somaliland and Puntland, but Hargeisa now sees Mogadishu’s involvement as a new escalation.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is not internationally recognized but operates with its own government, currency, and security forces. The federal government in Mogadishu maintains that Somaliland remains a part of Somalia.
President Irro’s remarks come amid heightened tensions and international calls for reconciliation. However, with both sides hardening their positions, prospects for dialogue appear increasingly dim.