The United Kingdom has called on Somaliland and SSC Khaatumo to exchange prisoners as a first step toward de-escalation in a conflict that has displaced thousands and disrupted trade in the region.
British Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis (pictured) made the appeal after meeting with Somaliland’s newly formed peace committee, which was appointed by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro in a bid to contain tensions.
“A durable peace must begin with the exchange of detainees, re-opening of trade routes, and strengthening people-to-people links,” Nithavrianakis Nithavrianakis said.
The UK’s call for a prisoner exchange comes against this backdrop of unresolved grievances and fragile ceasefires, with periodic clashes in contested territories.
Somaliland’s government has publicly committed to resolving the conflict through negotiations rather than military action, with President Irro reiterating his willingness to engage in dialogue with SSC Khaatumo leaders.
The seven-member peace committee, formed earlier this month, has been tasked with identifying solutions to de-escalate tensions, restore stability, and prevent further outbreaks of violence.
Meanwhile, traditional elders from Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State have also joined peace efforts. The delegation recently visited Hargeisa and Las Anod, aiming to mediate between the two sides by leveraging longstanding cultural and historical ties.
The dispute between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo is deeply rooted in historical grievances, clan affiliations, and competing political visions for governance in Somalia. The Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions have long been contested territories, with the Dhulbahante clan playing a central role in shaping their political landscape.
Tensions escalated in February 2023 when Dhulbahante clan elders declared the formation of the SSC-Khaatumo administration, rejecting Somaliland’s claim over the region and aligning themselves with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). The elders said the declaration was the result of years of political disputes and perceptions of marginalization by the Somaliland administration.
The fallout was immediate. Armed clashes between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland’s military led to widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and mass displacement. At least 82 people were killed, and over 90% of Las Anod’s population fled their homes, creating an internally displaced crisis affecting approximately 185,000 people, while an estimated 60,000 others sought refuge outside the region.
Efforts to broker peace have gained momentum, with regional and international actors—including the UK—urging all parties to commit to dialogue. However, hostilities have continued, fueled by deep mistrust, competing territorial claims, and political maneuvers by regional and federal actors. The Federal Government of Somalia formally recognized SSC-Khaatumo in October 2023 as a federal member state.
