HARGEISA, Somalia – In a move resonating with significant geopolitical implications, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) of North Western State of Somalia is poised to journey to Doha. The visit comes in response to a formal invitation from the Qatari government, reliable sources disclosed this Thursday.

This diplomatic endeavor by Qatar seeks to rejuvenate the stalled conversations between North Western State of Somalia and the Federal Government of Somalia—discussions that regrettably came to a halt on January 1, 2024.

Let’s rewind a bit. The dialogue found itself in troubled waters following an agreement inked by then-President Muse Bihi Abdi with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This deal, which allowed Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via Somali territory, stirred a hornet’s nest. The federal government in Somalia wasted no time in branding the agreement as “null and void.”

Fast forward to today, and we find President Irro preparing for his trip mere days after an evocative call from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In a heartfelt speech marking the June 26 independence anniversary, President Mohamud urged North Western State of Somalia to rekindle the dialogue focused on national unity. It seems like a poignant moment to ask: Can these talks be successfully revived?

Yet, interestingly, there’s radio silence from Somalia’s federal government concerning Irro’s imminent visit. Will they dispatch a delegation to Doha, where Qatar stands ready to facilitate talks? The suspense lingers, accentuated by the absence of a formal statement from both Somalia and Qatar. It’s almost like waiting at the edge of a cliff, wondering what awaits at the bottom.

The absence of public commentary from the Qatari Foreign Ministry adds another layer of intrigue. It brings to mind that age-old adage: “Silence speaks louder than words.”

“In diplomacy, every gesture tells a story, every silence sings a song.” — Unknown

The reality of diplomatic endeavors often dances between grand objectives and complex human nuances. One might wonder, what conversations happen behind closed doors? What subtle gestures shift negotiations? These probing questions remind me of a story from my early days in journalism. I once covered a diplomatic meeting that seemed uneventful on the surface. Yet, an off-hand comment during lunch catalyzed a breakthrough. Isn’t it fascinating how often the unspoken elements of dialogue forge unexpected resolutions?

As we watch these developments unfold, the world waits with bated breath. Will this visit lay the foundation for lasting peace, or merely add another chapter to the long, convoluted narrative of regional politics?