The Somaliland government has warned against the trip of Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre to Lascaanod, saying that Lascaanod is part of its territory and that it will not allow Hamse Abdi Barre to visit.
Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle, who spoke to the media, described the Prime Minister’s trip as one that creates conflict and that he wants to transfer the crises in Somalia to Somaliland.
“Whatever it takes, we are determined to defend our nationhood and our borders. The search for peace is not a weakness for us… We are determined to confront the tribulation you are creating with strength and strategy,” said Minister Ayaanle.
The minister described as impossible the plan announced by the Somali government to hold one-person, one-vote elections in areas of Sool, Sanaag and Buuhoodle, saying that elections can only be held in peaceful and secure areas.
Minister Ayaanle accused the Prime Minister of not being able to visit the Puntland and Jubbaland administrations, which he personally represents, and instead of seeking a solution to the conflicts in those areas, he wants to bring another crisis to Sool.
Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre recently announced that he would be traveling to Lascaanood. The trip, which the Somali government described as one to strengthen the unity of Somalia, was warmly welcomed by the SSC-Khaatumo administration.
