The Somaliland government has called for peace in the Sanaag region following a deadly clash in the Goof district that claimed the lives of five people.
The conflict, which erupted early Tuesday morning, is the latest flare-up in a series of violent confrontations between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland troops, deepening a long-standing territorial dispute.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Interior, the Somaliland government accused hostile groups of actively attempting to create divisions among the region’s communities.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland urges the people in the southern areas of the Sanaag region, where yesterday’s conflict occurred, to maintain peace and collectively oppose those groups who are enemies of peace and seek to sow discord among the communities,” the statement read.
The breakaway government has ordered security forces to target and neutralize organized groups it deems responsible for inciting violence and destabilizing the region.
However, SSC-Khaatumo officials have accused the Somaliland government of exacerbating tensions, alleging that Somaliland troops were responsible for the deaths of civilians who were protesting in the Goof district. The SSC-Khaatumo administration further condemned the actions of Somaliland forces in both the Goof and Erigabo districts, accusing them of targeting civilians and escalating violence.
The Sanaag region has been a flashpoint for territorial disputes between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo forces, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and incitement.
As the situation develops, independent verification of the events remains challenging, with both sides offering wildly conflicting accounts of the violence.
