Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said that Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre is seeking a solution to the ongoing tension between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo.
The President, who gave an interview to Turkish media and was asked about Prime Minister Hamse’s visit to Las Anod, said that Hamse went there to create an environment for dialogue between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo.
“The Prime Minister is there to seek a solution, because the conflict has not yet been resolved, it is bitter, and both sides are holding prisoners. So the Prime Minister is there to find an environment for dialogue, because there are obstacles to serious negotiations,” said President Hassan Sheikh.
The Federal Government of Somalia described the Prime Minister’s visit as one to strengthen the unity of Somalia, which angered Somaliland, which considers the Sool region to be part of its territory. The government and parliament of Somaliland strongly condemned the Prime Minister’s visit.
SSC-Khaatumo, an administration established by locals after Somaliland was expelled from Lascaanod in early 2023, and which is aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia, welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit, which they see as a potential path to formal recognition from the Federal Government.
The conflict between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo has not yet been resolved, with both sides still holding prisoners. There is also a territorial dispute that could lead to renewed conflict.
