Somaliland withdraws from Türkiye-led talks with Somalia

The self-declared Republic of Somaliland reportedly announced its withdrawal from Türkiye-backed reconciliation talks with Somalia, citing a visit by Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to the disputed city of Las Anod as the immediate cause for the decision.

The move, effective April 16, 2025, was confirmed in a statement by Somaliland’s cabinet, which labeled the trip a “provocative and unlawful action” and an infringement on what the region considers its territorial sovereignty.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally, had been participating in long-standing Türkiye-mediated negotiations aimed at resolving its decadeslong dispute with the federal government in Mogadishu.

Recognition of Khatumo state escalates tensions

Barre’s visit to Las Anod on April 12 came just two days before Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as its sixth federal state, with Las Anod designated as its capital.

The move further deepened tensions, as the area remains contested between Somaliland and forces aligned with the federal government.

Las Anod, a city in the northern region of Sool, located 933 kilometers (579 miles) from the capital Mogadishu, has long been a flashpoint between unionist forces aligned with SSC-Khaatumo and separatist Somaliland forces.

The region saw months of intense fighting in 2023, which left hundreds dead or wounded.

A former British protectorate, Somaliland gained its independence in 1960 but days later joined Somalia.

In 1991, it declared independence from the rest of the country following a war with the military regime, but has received no international recognition.

In its statement, Somaliland accused Somalia of “deliberately violating the territorial borders of Somaliland,” adding that Mogadishu’s actions demonstrated a “rejection of peace, diplomacy, and lawful conduct.”

Türkiye’s mediation efforts in Horn of Africa

Türkiye has played a prominent role in facilitating dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia for more than a decade. The suspension of talks marks a setback for Ankara’s broader peace initiative in the Horn of Africa.

In parallel, Türkiye has also been mediating a separate and escalating crisis between Somalia and neighboring Ethiopia.

Tensions flared on Jan. 1 after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland for access to the Red Sea via Berbera Port.

The agreement included joint economic and security cooperation and triggered strong objections from the Somali government, which labeled the pact a violation of its territorial integrity.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met in Addis Ababa for the first time following the Ankara process, marking a significant step toward restoring diplomatic ties that had been severed for over a year.

The meeting culminated in an announcement that both nations would restore full diplomatic relations, a move seen as crucial for regional stability in the Horn of Africa.