Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-The Federal Government of Somalia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland have reached a consensus to continue their discussions in a statement jointly released by both parties on Friday night.

This agreement signed by the Somali Minister of Interior, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and his Somaliland counterpart, Mohamed Kaahin Ahmed followed two days of negotiations in Djibouti, under the mediation of Djiboutian, President Ismail Omar Guelleh.

One of the key points outlined in the agreement is the commitment to resuming roadmap talks, focusing on addressing critical issues to achieve a lasting solution.

Both sides have concurred on the roadmap process and will establish a technical committee tasked with facilitating discussions within a 30-day timeframe.

The agreement also emphasized the joint implementation of prior agreements made between 2012 and 2020 during diplomatic dialogues held in Turkey, London, and Djibouti.

The joint agreement highlighted the responsibility of the Somali government to be held accountable for past incidents, including killings, atrocities, and destruction committed by the military government in Somaliland (northern regions) during the collapse of the Somali government in 1991.

Both parties have committed to full cooperation, particularly in combating organized crimes in collaboration with relevant agencies. They have emphasized a collective effort to bring peace and stability to conflict-prone areas, including the Sool region, advocating for the use of the traditional Somali Dispute Resolution System to halt violence.

The joint statement also directed both parties to refrain from using inflammatory words, comments, or any other actions that may negatively impact the ongoing discussions.

The delegation from both Somalia and Somaliland extended appreciation to the government and people of Djibouti, led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, for their warm reception and facilitation of the negotiation process. They urged President Guelleh to continue with his vital role as a mediator as discussions progress.

This consensus agreement reached by both the governments have received support from Somalia’s international partners, viewing it as a significant move towards reconciliation.

“We welcome the communiqué agreed following important talks between Somalia and Somaliland Presidents @HassanSMohamud & @musebiihi in Djibouti – a vital step towards reconciliation,” UK embassy in Somalia said on X.

Somaliland declared autonomy in 1991 after the collapse of the functional Somali government but has not yet received international recognition as an independent state. Despite this, it has maintained peace and security for over 30 years.

The talks between Somalia and Somaliland began in 2012, started by the Transitional Somali Government, but were halted in 2020 after failing to reach sustainable solutions between the two parties.