‘No talks between Somaliland-Somalia while Farmaajo is in power’ President Bihi

Hargeisa, July 20 (Somaliland.com) President Muse Bihi Abdi reiterates his government’s rejection of a committee appointed by the president of the federal government of Somalia for talks with the Republic of Somaliland.

He said it was unlikely that the talks between the two sides to bear fruits while Farmaajo is in the office.

President Muse Bihi was welcoming the international participants of Hargeisa International book fair at a gala in the presidential palace on Friday night. But the tension with Somalia took up the bulk of his speech.

He doubled down on his government’s rejection of Somalia’s committee of reconciliation and talks with Somaliland. the president took an issue with the mandate of the committee according to appointment decree which says is to find a sustainable solution to the grievances of Somaliland within the framework of the Federal system of Somalia.

“Before a committee is appointed it is important to look at its task and mission. The task of this committee is two-fold – neither of which concerns Somaliland. And since it does not concern Somaliland, we will abstain from interfering in their internal affairs.

President Bihi accused Somalia of waging economic war on Somaliland by targeting livestock exports during the Hajj season. He said that Somalia’s president has shown Somaliland unprecedented enmity since he came to office.

“Somaliland has met from President Abdillahi Mohamed the most enmity and hostility since Somaliland and Somalia parted ways twenty-eight years ago. President Farmajo showed Somaliland unprecedented and consistent hostility since those twenty-eight years ago. He showed us relentless hostility on all fronts – be it; interference in our internal affairs, military, economic, propaganda.

With that, President Bihi ruled out the possibility of any breakthrough in Somaliland-Somalia talks during the term of Farmajo is in office.

Abdillahi P.

Somaliland.com