Somaliland condemns PM Barre's planned visit to Las Anod, northern Somalia

HARGEISA, Somalia - The Somali breakaway region of Somaliland had termed the planned trip by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod as 'ill-fated' while insisting that such actions would only trigger instability by undermining peace efforts within northern Somalia.

In a statement, the region protested against the planned trip, the first of a senior Somalia official in 41 years, arguing that the federal government of Somalia must take full responsibility should there be any tensions within the town.

"Such an ill-timed visit undermines ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," read the statement. "The Government of Somaliland regards this as a serious escalation and firmly asserts that the Government of Somalia will bear full responsibility for any resulting tensions and destabilization."

Las Anod was the center of conflict between Somaliland and the SSC Khaatumo forces, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people as the region fought to cut ties with Hargeisa. SSC Khaatumo administration wants to join the five Federal States in Somalia.

Somaliland asked the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations (UN), the Arab League, and all international partners to recognize that the 'reckless actions' of Somalia’s leadership continue to pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Further, the region, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, wants regional and international actors to take action against the government of Somalia, arguing that the move is a deliberate attempt to ignite animosity and instability within the fragile region in northern Somalia.

"The Government of Somaliland calls on responsible regional and international actors to take swift and collective action to address Somalia’s destabilizing conduct.

"Failure to act will only deepen instability and enable the rise of non-state actors in this already fragile region, leading to intensified threats such as displacement, migration, humanitarian crises, and transnational security risks."

An advance team including ministers and parliamentarians arrived in Las Anod, on Friday. The town was the focal point of a deadly conflict between Somaliland forces and local forces. The town was eventually overtaken by SSC Khaatumo administration fighters in 2023.

"The people in SSC KHAATUMO feeling very optimistic about the visit of PM Hamza Abdi Barre’s delegation and are looking forward to seeing the Prime Minister in Laascaanood," state media reports.

The PM could land in the region today after the advance team visited and the trip could open old wounds between Mogadishu and Hargeisa and potentially, accelerate peace talks between the two groups. Las Anod is the headquarters of the SSC Khaatumo administration.

GAROWE ONLINE