The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland has unequivocally condemns the illegal and provocative visit made by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia to the city of Lasanod on April 12, 2025. This unauthorized incursion represents a flagrant breach of international law and a direct assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Somaliland.
Somaliland is a sovereign, independent nation with internationally recognized borders and institutions. In accordance with its policy of peace and stability, particularly in the Eastern Sool region, the Government declared a peace initiative on December 12, 2024—the day His Excellency the President assumed office. The Government reaffirms that while it pursues peace with resolve and patience, it will defend its sovereignty with absolute determination. That sovereignty is inviolable.
Article 1 – Somalia Has Forfeited the Path of Peace and Dialogue
By deliberately violating the territorial borders of Somaliland, the Federal Government of Somalia has demonstrated its complete rejection of peace, diplomacy, and lawful conduct.
This hostile action is an act of political aggression and incitement designed to destabilize the region. It constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa, and an affront to the rights of the people of Somaliland, including those who have been unlawfully abducted.
Article 2 – No Negotiation on Detainee Release
The Republic of Somaliland clarifies that it has not entered, nor will it enter, into any negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia regarding the unlawful removal of detainees.
The individuals transferred to Mogadishu are not prisoners of war. Their removal constitutes an illegal act under international law and is viewed by the Government of Somaliland as a political maneuver by the Somali authorities to obscure their internal failures.
Article 3 – Commitment to International Law
The Republic of Somaliland has maintained active and transparent engagement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as well as with ambassadors and governments of allied nations, to resolve detainee matters in full compliance with international humanitarian protocols.
Somaliland is prepared to conduct a lawful prisoner exchange process under established international frameworks, with the ICRC serving as an impartial intermediary. Formal discussions have already been held with key partners including the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Article 4 – Call to the International Community
The Government of Somaliland issues an urgent call to the international community to respond swiftly and decisively to Somalia’s repeated violations in the Eastern Sool region.
These deliberate acts of aggression threaten not only Somaliland’s stability, but also the broader security of the Horn of Africa. They open the door for extremist and terrorist actors to exploit the situation, undermining peace, development, and international security.
Article 5 – Immediate Suspension of Dialogue with Somalia
In response to Somalia’s repeated acts of aggression and its blatant disregard for diplomatic norms, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland has decided to immediately and indefinitely suspend all dialogue with the Federal Government of Somalia, effective April 16, 2025.
Somaliland will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty or attempts to destabilize its territory. The Republic of Somaliland remains unwavering in its pursuit of independence, peace, and regional leadership—and these principles are neither negotiable nor subject to compromise.
