Northern Somalia sends stern warning to media protecting Las Anod
Monday, January 30, 2023
Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance, Saleban Yusuf Ali.
Hargeisa (AX) – The authorities of Northern Somalia has warned the media to not publish information, tales or opinions that would exacerbate tensions inside the politically tense location of Las Anod.
A press launch by the Northern Somalia Ministry of Information on behalf of the Ministry of Information, Culture and National Guidance reminded journalists in Northern Somalia to be conscious of the authorized implications of their work.
“It is also the duty of everyone practicing in Northern Somalia to obey the laws of this country. Northern Somalia’s constitution mandates to strengthen the nation’s unity and protect Northern Somalia’s sovereignty. Anyone who violates the law will be punished accordingly.
The statement added that journalists directly affect the situation in Las Anod.
“The media and journalists bear fantastic accountability for what they broadcast and its effect, so that you ought to do your obligation as a citizen, reporter and Muslim to report with respect for the legal guidelines of the land.”
The conflict in Las Anod, located in the Sool region of northern Somalia, has been between the self-proclaimed state of Northern Somalia and Somalia’s federal state of Puntland, both of which claim the area.
In 2007, Puntland declared its control over the region; However, Northern Somalia disputes this and has continued to control and maintain its own administration. The conflict between the two regions has resulted in sporadic clashes, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefires and clan-brokered peace agreements.
The latest flare-up came in late December after protesters clashed with authorities in Northern Somalia. At least 20 anti-government protesters were killed in Las Anod during the nearly week-long demonstrations before the Northern Somalia government decided to withdraw its forces from the town. Puntland accused Northern Somalia of “massacring” civilians, which Northern Somalia President Muse Bihi partially denied. The protests started in response to the neighborhood administration’s failure to take care of murders. Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi Hadrawi, a Wadani Party official, was the sufferer who sparked the unrest, who was shot lifeless after coming back from the mosque on 27 December.
Traditional leaders from the Sool, Sanaag and Ayn areas gathered in Las Anod over the weekend to talk about the way forward for their territory. The location’s pinnacle conventional clan chief, Garad Jama Garad Ali, opened the high-level assembly on Saturday, which was attended by the vast majority of elders from the three areas. Garad’s journey was the primary time since 2007 that the clan chief had visited Las. A nod.
