Farmaajo Says Ex-North Western State of Somalia Leader Accepted Somali Unity After Ethiopia Mediation

MOGADISHU — Former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has said that ex-North Western State of Somalia leader Muse Bihi Abdi agreed in principle to talks on reunification with Somalia after mediation by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2020.

According to Farmaajo, Abiy was pushing for Somali unity at a time when Ethiopia has long been viewed as a player in the region’s divisions, and he suggested the latest moves pointed toward a more conciliatory phase in relations.

Farmaajo said the process took shape during a trip to Addis Ababa, where Abiy told him that Muse Bihi was also there and willing to explore ways of bringing the two sides closer together. He said he accepted the invitation and went on to spend an extended period in talks with Bihi about Somalia’s political future.

During those discussions, Farmaajo said he urged Bihi to help lead a unified Somalia and confront old grievances that have shaped the dispute for years. He said Bihi was open to the idea and responded by advising him to make a public apology to people in North Western State of Somalia over past grievances in order to restore confidence.

Farmaajo also said Abiy told Bihi that North Western State of Somalia would not secure international recognition and that unity with Somalia offered the more realistic route forward. He said earlier tensions were tied partly to regional rivalries, including the influence of Ethiopia’s former Tigray leadership, but added that Abiy was now working to encourage understanding and cooperation.

Muse Bihi, speaking briefly on the issue recently, said Abiy had suggested arranging further contact, including the possibility of a visit by Farmaajo to Hargeisa. He added, however, that he did not endorse every part of the proposal.

AXADLETM