President Yoweri K. Museveni has offered to mediate in the long-running efforts to unite Somalia and Somaliland.
According to a statement made public on September 23, 2023, by the State House, this development is an indicator of hope for the region, which has been tarnished by instability and division for years.
President Museveni’s announcement followed a meeting with Dr. Jama Musse Jama, a Special Envoy from the Republic of Somaliland, at State House in Entebbe on Friday. The discussions were marked by a commitment to exploring avenues for reconciliation and cooperation between the two entities.
The Republic of Somaliland has remained an unrecognised sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, despite its autonomous governance. The international community generally regards it as a de jure part of Somalia, a stance that has fueled tensions and disputes in the region.
During their meeting, President Museveni expressed his reluctance to support the withdrawal of Somaliland from Somalia, stressing that it would be strategically unwise.
“We don’t support secession because, strategically, it is wrong,” he emphasised.
The Ugandan President urged both Somalia and Somaliland to move away from identity-based politics and instead focus on policies that promote the interests of their citizens. Museveni emphasised that shared challenges transcend race and religion and that embracing a politics of interest would lead to social and economic transformation.
President Museveni also agreed to foster economic ties between Uganda and Somaliland, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial trade.
“In case you have something that we don’t have, we shall buy from you, and you can also buy from us what you don’t have if we have it,” President Museveni stated.
Furthermore, he advocated for regional economic integration, highlighting that relying solely on internal markets is insufficient for the development of both Somaliland and Somalia. President Museveni encouraged the two entities to unite, trade with each other, and engage in commerce with other African nations to bolster their economies.
Dr. Jama Musse Jama, the Special Envoy from Somaliland, emphasised the urgent need for Somalia and Somaliland to set aside their differences and unite. He noted that the ongoing division has hindered their development prospects. Dr. Jama also called upon President Museveni to take a central role in mediating between the two nations, citing his influential position in the region.
In addition to seeking Uganda’s support for reconciliation, Dr. Jama invited Ugandan investors to explore opportunities in Somaliland. He encouraged them to supply goods to Somaliland and engage in trade, further solidifying the economic ties between the two nations.
