Somalia President Downplays PM’s Las Anod Visit, Sparking SSC-Khaatumo Reaction

ANTALYA, Turkey – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has downplayed the significance of Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre’s historic visit to Las Anod, a move that sparked strong reactions from the SSC-Khaatumo community, who interpreted the trip as a symbolic act of recognition for their administration as a Federal State.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, President Hassan Sheikh clarified that the Prime Minister’s visit was meant solely to foster a conducive environment for peace talks between SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland, and not an endorsement of any political status.

"We are sorry for what happened in that part of Somalia. Conflicts unfortunately occur from time to time within the country, but the Somali government was not involved in this one, nor does it wish to be. One of the main reasons the Prime Minister went to Las Anod was to seek a resolution to the recent conflict—not to incite further violence. The narratives being spread on social media are inaccurate. The conflict in Las Anod has not yet been fully resolved, and both sides are still holding prisoners. The Prime Minister’s presence in Las Anod is meant to help create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and peaceful negotiation," said the president.

This statement appears to contradict the perception held by many residents of SSC-Khaatumo, who saw the high-level visit as a historic turning point in their political struggle. For them, the Prime Minister’s reception signaled a shift in federal policy toward recognizing their aspirations.

Garaad Mukhtar Garaad Ali, one of the traditional leaders of SSC-Khaatumo, harshly criticized the President’s remarks. “Every blessing comes with its test,” he said. “The President of the Republic could not handle the national-level welcome that was given to Prime Minister Hamsa and his delegation.”

In response, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement reaffirming that the visit was part of ongoing federal efforts to strengthen national unity and improve service delivery in territories claimed by SSC-Khaatumo.

Turkey has previously played a mediating role between Somalia’s Federal Government and Somaliland, beginning as early as 2012. However, those efforts have so far yielded no substantial breakthrough.

GAROWE ONLINE