President Mohamud Meets Traditional Leaders from Somaliland

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has met traditional leaders from Somaliland in Mogadishu, urging them to use their influence to promote reconciliation and strengthen ties among Somali communities amid longstanding political divisions over the region’s status.

The leaders, who have been visiting the capital in recent days, were received at the presidential palace on Tuesday. They included Boqor Ibrahim Boqor Ali Hussein, Sultan Mahmoud Ahmed and Sultan Omar Osman Goodir.

According to a statement from the presidency, discussions focused on national unity, social cohesion and the role of traditional leadership in encouraging dialogue and understanding among communities.

President Mohamud highlighted the influence of traditional elders in peacebuilding, saying dialogue, mutual respect and longstanding social ties were important to maintaining trust and cohesion. He urged the leaders to step up efforts to promote reconciliation and bring Somali communities closer together.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of a decades-long dispute between Somalia’s federal government and Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 and has operated with its own administration, institutions and security forces. Mogadishu continues to regard Somaliland as part of Somalia, while the authorities in Hargeisa maintain their claim to independence.

The issue has gained renewed diplomatic significance following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, a move rejected by Somalia’s federal government and several regional and international organisations.

Traditional leaders continue to play an influential role in Somali society, particularly in community reconciliation, mediation and the resolution of local disputes. Their engagement has often provided channels for dialogue beyond formal political negotiations.

The presidency did not disclose whether the meeting discussed specific political proposals or any planned follow-up engagement.