Hargeisa, June 28, 2025 – Somaliland President Dr. Cabdiraxmaan Maxamed Cabdilaahi Cirro departed today for Doha, the capital of Qatar, on an official diplomatic mission following a formal invitation from the Qatari government. This high-level visit is viewed as a significant development in the context of recent calls by Somalia’s President, Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud, for renewed dialogue between the governments of Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
According to a press release from the Office of the Presidency of Somaliland, President Cirro is set to meet with senior Qatari officials to discuss bilateral cooperation and strategic partnerships between Somaliland and Qatar. The statement emphasized that this trip follows a direct and formal invitation from Qatar, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough in the Horn of Africa.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that Qatar’s outreach is partly influenced by Somalia’s recent appeal to reopen stalled talks with Somaliland. Just a day before Cirro’s travel, President Xasan Sheekh issued a public call during a speech marking Somalia’s 65th Independence Day on June 26, urging Somaliland’s leadership to demonstrate courage and resume peace negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia.
“The Government of Somalia is ready to consider every possible path that can lead to the restoration of national unity. I encourage our brothers in Somaliland to show bravery and take a step toward resuming dialogue,” said President Xasan Sheekh in his speech. He added, “Unity does not destroy—it builds strength and honor.”
While Qatar is reportedly seeking to play a mediating role, no official comment has been issued by the Somali Federal Government regarding President Cirro’s visit or whether they will send a counterpart delegation to Doha. However, diplomatic insiders suggest that Qatar hopes to revive the collapsed talks between Hargeisa and Mogadishu, which were derailed due to mounting disagreements and a widening political gap.
During his visit, President Cirro is also expected to explore economic and development cooperation with Qatari authorities. Strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for investment and partnership remain key objectives of his agenda in Doha.
This visit comes at a time when both local and international observers are closely watching the evolving political landscape in the Horn of Africa, especially regarding Somaliland’s long-standing pursuit of international recognition and Somalia’s quest for national unity.
Whether this trip marks the beginning of a new era of reconciliation or simply a diplomatic courtesy remains to be seen—but it undoubtedly reflects growing interest in regional stability and mediated diplomacy in Somali affairs.
