Hargeisa September 19,2022 (SD) – Somaliland has responded to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent statement about Somaliland’s quest for independence

The Somali President made remarks at a recent gathering attended by Somali diaspora community in the U.S, said Somalia will never accept the independence of Somaliland but will not hinder issues related to the development of Somaliland.

Somaliland’s Minister of Information Saleban Ali Koore described President Hassan Sheikh’s statement as surprising and far from the reality.

“We see the (president) statement as a dream, we had democratic rule for 30 years, he is now claiming to rule” said Minister Koore.

Saleban Ali Koore said the government of Somalia is limited to the city of Mogadishu and its surroundings and therefore Hassan Sheikh’s statement will not effect Somaliland.

“Somaliland is a free and independent country, which has progressed in all aspects. It does not need recognition or assistance from the Mogadishu government,” said the minister.

In 1991, after a lengthy civil war, Somaliland withdrew from its union with Somalia, but is yet to gain international recognition.