Somalia: Deadly protest in Lasanod as Somaliland celebrates 24 years of independence

LASANOD, Somalia, May 18, 2015 (Garowe Online)-At least two unarmed civilians have been reported killed in Lasanod protests as Somaliland is celebrating 24 years of independence from the rest of the country by Monday, Garowe Online reports.

The deaths have come after angry crowds clashed with Somaliland police forces in downtown Lasanod according to local journalists.

Three people who sustained injuries in the violent protests are also being treated at local medical facility.

Conversely in Sool regional capital of Lasanod, pro-Somaliland residents held celebrations marking the day on which Somaliland declared independence.

United Somalia army

Speaking to a large crowd in Somaliland capital of Hargeisa, Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Siilaanyo) strongly contested plans to set up united national army, warning of spillover of new conflicts across East Africa.

“As we know, schemes to build national army for Somalia have been underway. Henceforth, we warn of the grim consequences of such steps since it could stoke fresh hostilities in the Horn,” said Siilaanyo in reaction at a joint communiqué at a conference in the capital of Somaliland,s archrival to the west, Puntland on May 2.

Siilaanyo urged international community partners to reconsider their standpoint on the matter.

24 years ago today, Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of the country as de facto sovereign state but it has not been recognized internationally yet.

Puntland and Somaliland, both located in northern Somalia have clashed in sporadic battles in the strongly contested regions of Sool and Sanaag since 2000.

Somaliland forces militarily seized strategic Lasanod city from Puntland in October 2007.

GAROWE ONLINE