James Swan, the UN Special Envoy for Somalia has stated that the dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland remains alive.
According to Swan, the discussions that would bring lasting peace between the two nations are “underway.”
Swan added that the two sides have demonstrated a commitment to pursue the discussions to a fruitful conclusion.
Somalia and Somaliland have not enjoyed good diplomatic relations, especially since the latter broke from the former and declared self-independence in 1991.
Initially, the two nations were one after Somaliland joined Somalia once they got their independence from Britain and Italy respectively in 1960.
However, Somaliland opted to declare itself an independent nation from 1991 when Civil War broke out in Somalia.
Since then, Somalia has refused to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. International recognition continues to elude Somaliland too.