US Issues Warning to Somali leaders & Welcomes Somaliland's
The United States recently clarified its position on Somaliland and Somalia, acknowledging the realities that exist in these two distinct countries – that were once united as a republic but split apart after that unity was lost in 1991 when Somaliland reclaimed its sovereignty from the colonial Great Britain in 1960.
On one hand, the President of the Republic of Somaliland – HE Muse Bihi Abdi – will soon pay an official visit to the United States of America at the invitation of the United States Government.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland – Dr. Issa Kayd Mohamud – said that President Bihi will travel to the United States in March 2022.
“The recent meeting between the President and the congressional staff delegation from the United States paved the way for the President’s visit to the United States in March this year,” the minister said in a speech to the Somaliland House of Representatives when his nomination to lead the cabinet portfolio for foreign ministry was approved by a majority vote.
Dr. Isse Kayd added that he will persuade the world community to recognize Somaliland, saying that the country is at a geopolitically important crossroad vital to the security and the movement of the world trade.
The President’s meeting in last month with the large delegation from the United States focused on forging bilateral relations between the two nations, the regional security and stability in the Horn of Africa, strengthening democratic developments in Somaliland, and other political tensions in the region.
On the other hand, the US State Department issued a strong warning to Somalia’s embattling leaders – which has prompted political turmoil in the country – about their inability to work out their political differences, which could lead to a return to instability and the failures of the previous 30 years.
The statement read:
.@StateDeptSpox discusses Somalia’s decision to complete the country’s long-overdue parliamentary elections by February 25. “We call on all of Somalia’s national and federal member state leaders to adhere to the newly agreed timeline and correct the procedural irregularities.” pic.twitter.com/tngwI5xMoS
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 11, 2022