Somaliland Pulls Out of Somalia's Govt Talks, Calls PM’s Las Anod Visit a ‘Deliberate Provocation’

HARGEISA, Somalia - While citing the recent visit to SSC-Khatumo by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the breakaway state of Somaliland has formally withdrawn from dialogue with the Somali government, arguing that the visit was 'a calculated provocation and a direct violation of Somaliland’s territorial integrity'.

The Somaliland cabinet, which sat on Wednesday under regional leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, said the Somali PM's Las Anod trip violated the existing order, which had been approved by both parties, adding that it threatened peaceful coexistence within the Horn of Africa.

"This act represents a dangerous political escalation and a deliberate incitement to conflict, threatening the broader stability of the Horn of Africa. It also constitutes a breach of international norms and the unlawful abduction of Somaliland citizens," read the statement.

Given this, the cabinet affirmed, Somaliland would withdraw from the ongoing mediation process that seeks to solve a conflict that has lasted for three decades, which informed its decision to secede from Somalia.

"Given Somalia’s continued and deliberate violations against the Republic of Somaliland, as well as its disregard for the principles of previous negotiations, the Council of Ministers has resolved to formally withdraw from all ongoing dialogue with Somalia, effective April 16, 2025," read the statement.

The region, which is fighting for international recognition, now wants international partners to chip in and help it secure SSC-Khaatumo territories, which have also switched allegiance to the government of Somalia, leading to recognition as a federal state.

"The Government of Somaliland calls on the international community to urgently address the violations being committed by Somalia in the Eastern Sool region. We ask for support in our efforts to restore peace and stability in the area," read the statement further.

"Somalia’s deliberate aggression against Somaliland is a threat to the wider Horn of Africa. It creates opportunities for extremist and terrorist groups, posing a serious risk to regional peace and development."

Turkey and Djibouti have been the facilitators of the dialogue between the Somali government and Somaliland, but very little progress has been made in the process. 

GAROWE ONLINE