By Abdullahi Salaad - Reporter
Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble on Thursday expressed support for Somaliland during a press conference in Mogadishu, accusing the federal government of resorting to threats rather than engaging in dialogue with the self-declared republic.
Roble recalled Somaliland’s role in Somalia’s unity, stating: “Our brothers in Somaliland were the first to raise the flag and lead the path to unity. Yet today, they find no one willing to sit with them, to speak with them, or to give them reassurance. Instead, they are threatened with the dismantling of the system they have built.”
He accused Mogadishu of obstructing aid and spreading negative propaganda. “The limited aid allocated to Somaliland through the federal government is often blocked, and instead, cheap propaganda is broadcast to accuse and discredit Somaliland,” Roble said.
Roble added: “I sympathize with Somaliland for the lack of vision and understanding shown by the federal government, and I encourage you to continue moving forward with courage.”
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His remarks were widely interpreted as indirect support for Somaliland’s long-standing pursuit of international recognition, although he stopped short of explicitly endorsing recognition.
The comments come as Somaliland intensifies its recognition campaign. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has urged the United States to play a proactive role, even suggesting that U.S. President Donald Trump should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, linking Somaliland’s recognition to Washington’s global leadership.
Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has established its own institutions and security forces but remains unrecognized internationally. Nonetheless, its international engagement has grown steadily in recent years.
Villa Somalia has not issued a response to Roble’s statements.
