HARGEISA, Somaliland, (Horn Post) The Somaliland government has condemned Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod, describing it as a violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and urging the African Union, IGAD, the United Nations and international partners to oppose actions that could escalate regional tensions.
Somaliland Condemns Somalian Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s Visit to Las Anod as Mogadishu Defends Trip- Statement by the Somaliland Ministry of Information, Culture and National Guidance.
The Government of Somaliland has strongly condemned Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod in the eastern Sool region, describing the trip as a provocative act that violates Somaliland’s sovereignty and risks escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement issued Sunday by Somaliland Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance Barkhad Jama Batun, who also serves as the government’s spokesperson, Somaliland said the visit represents “a deliberate provocation” and an infringement on the Republic of Somaliland’s territorial integrity and independence.
The government warned that the visit could inflame political tensions, undermine regional peace efforts and threaten security and stability across the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland called on the African Union (AU), IGAD, the United Nations (UN) and international partners to publicly reject what it described as destabilizing actions and urged Somalia’s Federal Government to refrain from steps that could further increase tensions.
The statement reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to peace, stability and good-neighborly relations based on mutual respect, while stressing that the government would take all necessary constitutional and legal measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
The visit comes amid renewed political developments in the disputed region, including the return of several politicians from Sool and Sanaag to Hargeisa after previously supporting Somalia-backed political initiatives, according to Somaliland officials.
Mogadishu: Visit Focused on Governance and Public Services
Meanwhile, Somalia’s Office of the Prime Minister said Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Las Anod on Sunday accompanied by a delegation of cabinet ministers.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit is aimed at overseeing the delivery of public services and development programs in what Mogadishu refers to as the Northeastern State administration.
The statement said Prime Minister Hamza received a formal welcome from regional leaders, traditional elders and residents at Las Anod Airport during celebrations marking the first anniversary of the administration’s establishment.
Addressing supporters upon arrival, Hamza thanked residents for their welcome, saying he was pleased to join them in commemorating the anniversary and reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for the region.
The Prime Minister’s Office also said several federal ministries will launch public service initiatives during the visit, while Hamza is expected to participate in public events celebrating the administration’s first anniversary.
Somaliland and Somalia dispute on Sool
The differing statements underscore the continuing dispute between Somaliland and Somalia over the status of Las Anod and the wider Sool region, an issue that remains one of the most sensitive political and security challenges in the Horn of Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
