𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘃𝘀. 𝗠𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗵𝘂’𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘃𝘀. 𝗠𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗵𝘂’𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Somalia’s leadership, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, continues to chase illusions of authority over Somaliland—a nation that has governed itself independently for over three decades. The recent leaked letter from Mogadishu to the U.S. government, in which Hassan Sheikh attempted to assert control over Berbera, is not just a diplomatic blunder; it is a desperate cry from a regime that has lost its grip on reality.

Somaliland is not, and never has been, under Mogadishu’s rule since 1991. It has built a democratic system, maintained peace without international troops, and established a thriving economy. Meanwhile, Somalia’s leadership struggles to secure its own capital, let alone exert influence over a nation that has long moved beyond its reach.

The world recognizes Somaliland’s de facto sovereignty. Its strategic importance in regional security and trade is undeniable. It has successfully partnered with global players like the UAE, Ethiopia, and DP World to develop the Berbera corridor into a critical trade and security hub. Mogadishu’s empty claims over Somaliland’s territory hold no weight in international diplomacy—only in its own propaganda.

Rather than addressing the security threats posed by Al-Shabaab and economic instability, Hassan Sheikh’s administration is fixated on Somaliland, using baseless rhetoric to mask its failures. The international community must recognize this for what it is—political theater meant to distract from Somalia’s internal chaos.

The path forward is clear: Somaliland’s sovereignty is a reality, and engaging with its government directly is the only logical step for any serious international partner. Mogadishu’s failed leadership cannot dictate the fate of a nation that has already secured its place in the region.

Abdi Halim M Musa 
Political Analyst and Former Deputy Minister of Commerce, Republic Of Somaliland 
E-mail: halimusa4@gmail.com