Somaliland Denounces Somali PM’s Visit to Lasanod as ‘Blatant Violation’ and ‘Act of Aggression’

HARGEISA, Somalia — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” has strongly condemned the recent visit by Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to the town of Lasanod, describing it as a “blatant violation” of Somaliland’s sovereignty and an “act of aggression” against its territorial integrity.

Addressing the Somaliland House of Representatives on Saturday, President Cirro said his government had formally notified the international community about the visit, warning that it could lead to serious regional instability.

“This visit is a hostile act that undermines peace and stability, and represents a direct encroachment on Somaliland’s independence,” Cirro told lawmakers. “It is a dangerous provocation at a time when restraint is needed.”

Cirro stated that Prime Minister Barre’s trip to Lasanod — the capital of the recently formed SSC-Khatumo administration — was carried out without Somaliland’s consent and represents what he called a deliberate breach of international norms. He accused the Somali federal government of inciting tensions and disregarding Somaliland’s long-standing efforts to maintain security.

“The visit violates our sovereignty and could easily reignite local unrest,” he said. “It damages the fragile efforts toward stability and reflects a pattern of interference that the people of Somaliland will not accept.”

The prime minister’s unannounced visit last week drew sharp criticism from Somaliland officials, who said it threatened to exacerbate political tensions between Somaliland and Somalia’s federal government, particularly over the Sool region.

President Cirro urged international partners to respond swiftly, calling the trip a form of “unlawful interference” that could derail peace initiatives and further escalate tensions between the two sides.

“The international community must not ignore this provocation,” he said. “Somaliland has the right to chart its future free from external manipulation.”

Lasanod, a city in northern Somalia, is the capital of the newly declared SSC-Khatumo administration, which rejects Somaliland’s claims and seeks self-governance. The city recently emerged from a deadly civil conflict between Somaliland forces and local fighters, which left hundreds dead and thousands displaced. Tensions remain high despite a relative calm in recent months.

GAROWE ONLINE