Somalia: Embrace ceasefire, parties in Las Anod conflict told

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The international community wants an immediate ceasefire in the Las Anod conflict following deadly clashes that have left several people dead, including security forces attached to the Somaliland army, who have been at loggerheads with the SSC-Khatumo forces in the breakaway region.

In a press conference, Muse Bihi Abdi, the president of the breakaway region of Somaliland, admitted that his soldiers suffered immense losses on the battlefield after the SSC-Khatumo forces opened fire at one of the Forward Operating Base, leaving several other soldiers captive.

The international partners have now expressed reservations, noting that the fighting could escalate out of the town, causing unprecedented damage. By estimate, over 250 people have been killed after separatist SSC-Khatumo forces demanded Sool region be administered from Mogadishu instead of Hargeisa.

According to the international community, the parties should release prisoners of war besides respecting human rights as envisaged in international law. The two sides, international partners added, should embrace dialogue and solve their issues amicably.

"We urge all sides to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. We call for an end to the mobilization of fighters and to the provision of supplies and armaments," read the statement. "We are deeply concerned about reports of large numbers of detainees and expect those involved to abide by human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure."

"We reiterate the importance of ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and delivery of assistance to those in need. We urge all parties to refrain from divisive rhetoric. All grievances and tensions should be resolved peacefully and through dialogue," they added.

President Muse Bihi Abdi has since vowed revenge after his soldiers suffered immense losses in the crackdown, admitting that several other soldiers are under captivity. The SSC-Khatumo forces have vowed to defend their territory while pushing to be administered from Mogadishu.

Somaliland region seceded from Somalia in 1991 but attempts by the region to be recognized internationally have been met with resistance from a number of stakeholders. The region is still part of Somalia despite running a parallel government.

GAROWE ONLINE