Somaliland’s foreign affairs ministry on Friday, April 11, condemned a planned trip by Somali prime minister Hamza Abdi Barre to the city of Las Anod in Sool region, calling it a “provocative act” that could further destabilise the Horn of Africa.
Barre’s planned trip would be the first such visit by a Somali prime minister in over half a century, but no official date has been announced for his arrival.
Las Anod is contested by Somaliland and local forces loyal to the newly formed SSC (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn) Khatumo state.
The city, which has experienced deadly conflict and changed hands a number of times over the years, is currently held by SSC Khatumo state.
The Somaliland foreign ministry said in a statement that Barre’s planned trip was “ill-timed” and could undermine local peace efforts.
“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 destabilistion,” the statement said.
The ministry called on the UN, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League and other international partners to “recognise that the reckless actions of Somalia’s leadership continue to pose a direct threat to regional peace and security”.
“For decades, Somaliland has withstood these provocations, steadfastly remaining a pillar of stability and a constructive force in the region,” it added.
The ministry also called on “responsible regional and international actors to take swift and collective action to address Somalia’s destabilising 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,” the ministry added.
The ministry concluded its statement by reaffirming Somaliland’s “commitment to peace, dialogue and regional cooperation” but vowing to “take decisive actions in defence of its sovereignty and security against any threats”.
