HARGEISA (SD) – The Somaliland government has described President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s recent visit to Qatar as a diplomatic success, one that is expected to foster new partnerships. Simultaneously, it accused the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) of continuously undermining Somaliland’s sovereignty.

Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness, addressed the outcomes of the president’s trip, acknowledging that while Qatar officially supports Somali unity, Somaliland remains committed to its independence and will engage with nations that recognize Mogadishu.

“We engage with a world that believes in Somalia’s unity, but we must clarify that Somaliland’s independence does not harm the broader Somali people—it benefits them. Qatar’s statements are diplomatic formalities,” Minister Ayanle stated.

He emphasized that diplomatic rhetoric often differs from reality, citing how Arab League nations that supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq later condemned it.

The minister expressed confidence that the visit would yield significant economic investments and strengthen ties with Qatar, a key U.S. ally, urging deeper engagement on Somaliland’s quest for recognition.

The Somaliland government accused Mogadishu of actively working to undermine its sovereignty, including attempts to reduce Somaliland to a regional administration under Somalia.

“Somalia is threatened by President Irro’s visit to Qatar,” Ayanle said, adding, “Politics means engaging even with your enemy if it serves your interests. If you greet a foe with ‘Salaam alaikum,’ you’ve already diffused half their anger.”

Qatar’s government, in a statement following President Irro’s meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, framed the discussions as part of efforts to resolve Somalia’s crises while reiterating support for Somali unity.

Notably, Qatar referred to President Irro as “a leader from one of Somalia’s regions,” echoing Kenya’s earlier stance after Irro’s visit there.

Somaliland dismissed these remarks as “political statements” that do not reflect the substantive talks held in Qatar. It maintained that its official relations with Qatar differ from what it called “ambiguous diplomatic language.”

Somaliland insists its independence benefits all Somalis, rejects being labeled a “region.”

This diplomatic friction highlights the ongoing struggle between Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition and Somalia’s efforts to maintain territorial claims.