Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has stated that his administration is willing to end the conflict in Las Anod through dialogue, just days after the US embassy in Mogadishu urged the President to create distance between the opposing forces in the town.
“The government and people of Somaliland have always been united on the issue of a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and we will continue to strive for that,” President Bihi said.
Bihi went on to say that the people of Sool were a part of the Somaliland national agreement, and that their main concern should be to avoid war.
The President blamed the elders of SSC-Khatumo for the ongoing conflict in Las Anod.
He stated that Puntland was involved in the conflict and that the federal government needed to intervene.
Muse Bihi’s comments come two days after Faisal Abdi Botan, commander of the Somaliland Army’s 12th Brigade, reiterated his intention to launch an offensive against SSC-Khatumo forces in Las Anod following heavy fighting on the town’s outskirts.
However, the US urged both parties to observe a ceasefire and suggested that Somaliland withdraw its troops to a safe distance, a proposal that Somaliland has rejected.
Meanwhile, the SSC-Khatumo traditional elders welcomed the appointment of the Somali government envoy for talks between Somalia and Somaliland, but stated that they are not directly involved in the dialogue.
“These discussions do not concern us. We are part of the Somali government. However, we hope these discussions will reunite Somalis, “Garad Saleban stated.
Saleban added that what is happening in Las Anod is the result of people dying for Somalia’s unity. He emphasized that the federal government’s relationship with SSC-Khatumo is positive and that they expect the government to improve relations.
