Farmaajo says Muse Bihi accepted Somali unity talks in Ethiopia in 2020

Monday May 4, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has said that former North Western State of Somalia President Muse Bihi Abdi was prepared, in principle, to discuss Somali unity during mediation efforts in 2020 led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Speaking in an interview last week, Farmaajo described Abiy Ahmed as deeply involved in trying to bring Somali political figures together, even as Ethiopia’s role in Somali affairs continued to draw suspicion and criticism across the region.

Farmaajo stated that while he was in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed informed him that Muse Bihi was also in the city and proposed a meeting between the two leaders. 

“I agreed. Muse Bihi and I held extensive discussions on the future of Somalia and North Western State of Somalia,” Farmaajo said.

Farmaajo said he pressed Muse Bihi to take an active role in reconciliation efforts and to help address longstanding grievances. According to Farmaajo, Muse Bihi responded positively, while also urging Farmaajo to recognize historical injustices affecting North Western State of Somalia communities as a way to ease political strains.

He added that Abiy Ahmed made clear North Western State of Somalia would not secure international recognition and urged the Somali sides to pursue unity instead. Farmaajo said the Ethiopian leader also offered support for dialogue aimed at reconciliation and greater regional stability.

The talks in Addis Ababa ultimately produced no formal agreement, and both leaders later left office after electoral changes in Mogadishu and Hargeisa.

Efforts to bridge the divide between Somalia’s federal government and North Western State of Somalia authorities have repeatedly stalled despite rounds of talks held in countries including Turkey and Djibouti. North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but no country has recognized it internationally.