"The place you have taken your people to is the wrong place," Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre tells Somaliland's leadership.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has called on Somaliland’s leadership to cut ties with Israel and to resolve disputes with the federal government through dialogue.
Barre said relations among Somalis should be addressed through talks rather than confrontation, in remarks during a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the establishment of North East State.
In December 2025, Israel announced mutual recognition with Somaliland, a move strongly rejected by the Somali government as a breach of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and criticised by many countries across the world.
“Regarding our brothers in Somaliland, I have nothing new to say. I repeat what we have always said: we call for Islam, brotherhood and Somali unity. These are the things that bind us together,” Barre said.
He added: “Whatever mistakes have occurred between us, we are prepared, together with the Somali people, particularly the people of North East State, to correct them through discussions at the table, meetings and peaceful dialogue without conflict.”
Stronger family ties
Barre’s visit underscored Mogadishu’s support for North East State and highlighted the federal government’s broader effort to reinforce its authority in Somalia’s northern regions, where Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity
The prime minister said disagreements among Somalis should not be allowed to deepen divisions, arguing that social and family ties between communities remained stronger than political differences.
“It is our principle. It does not change, and it will not change. They are our people, our relatives and our brothers,” he said.
“It is painful when Somali people oppress one another. It is painful when Somali people kill one another.”
The prime minister’s remarks came amid heightened debate over Somaliland’s international outreach, including recent contacts with Israel.
Mogadishu has opposed moves it views as weakening Somalia’s territorial unity and has called for issues involving Somaliland to be addressed within a Somali political framework.
Harming Somali interests
Addressing Somaliland’s leadership, Barre said the direction taken by the administration was harming Somali interests.
“To the leaders of Somaliland, I say: brothers, the journey entrusted to you has taken your people somewhere that is not right. The place you have taken your people to is the wrong place,” he said.
He added that opposition to that direction extended beyond Somalia.
“All Somali people, led by those you govern in Somaliland, including religious scholars, politicians, intellectuals and community elders living in that area, disagree with this matter,” Barre said.
“Likewise, all Muslim nations and Muslim communities wherever they are, and all people who believe in the principles of humanity and have a living conscience, oppose this matter and stand against it. You have made a mistake.”
Somali brotherhood
Barre urged Somaliland to return to what he described as Somali brotherhood and identity.
“Return to brotherhood. Return to Somali identity. The mistake has happened, but what remains open is repentance and returning from it,” he said.
The prime minister also stressed the close social links between communities in North East State and Somaliland, saying decades of political disagreements had not erased family relationships.
Barre called on political leaders, traditional authorities and communities to continue reconciliation efforts and resolve grievances through dialogue.
“Whatever happened must be overcome. People must sit together. Whether they are administrations, traditional leaders or society as a whole, they must reconcile,” he said.
North East State’s anniversary ceremony brought together federal officials, regional leaders and residents, with cabinet members outlining government projects underway in the region.
Barre said the federal government remained committed to supporting North East State and described it as part of Somalia’s broader national unity project.
“The solution lies in Somali identity and unity,” he said. “Strengthening unity through peace and Somali brotherhood serves the interests of North East State and all of Somalia.”
