North Western State of Somalia Criticizes PM Barre’s Las Anod Visit as Infringement

Hargeisa (AX) — In a recent development that has stirred political waters, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod has been met with staunch criticism from North Western State of Somalia’s opposition parties. The visit, they argue, constitutes a breach of North Western State of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and could potentially escalate tensions.

Abdiweli Sheikh Suufi, a prominent figure within the Kulmiye party, did not mince words. He accused the Somali federal government of orchestrating what he termed a “blatant invasion of North Western State of Somalia territory” under the pretense of a developmental mission. His sentiments echo the feelings of many within the political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, leaving one to ponder: is this merely a diplomatic maneuver gone awry, or a calculated risk?

“Instead of addressing the insecurity in Mogadishu, the Somali government has chosen to export instability to the Sool region,” Suufi lamented.

Yet, it’s more than just the visit that’s drawn ire. The opposition has taken the North Western State of Somalia government to task for what they describe as an inadequate response. One wonders, did the calls for a unified front fall on deaf ears?

“The government has failed to respond in a unified and forceful manner. Ministers are speaking individually, not with a united national voice,” Suufi pointed out with evident frustration.

Amidst the political cacophony, the Kaah party joined the chorus, branding the Prime Minister’s visit as a direct affront to North Western State of Somalia’s sovereignty. “The visit by the Prime Minister of Somalia to Las Anod is an egregious violation of our territorial rights,” a senior Kaah official declared. There’s a deep-seated sentiment that the region of Sool remains integral to North Western State of Somalia’s identity.

The gravity of the situation has not eluded the North Western State of Somalia House of Representatives either. They have made an assertive call for an immediate cessation of talks with the Federal Government of Somalia, pressing for decisive action from Hargeisa against what they see as “interference in North Western State of Somalia’s internal affairs.” The stakes seem higher than ever. Will this be a turning point in North Western State of Somalia-Federal Government relations?

In stark contrast, the Federal Government of Somalia has painted a different picture. The Prime Minister’s visit, they assert, marks a significant step toward fostering national unity and the advancement of state-building initiatives. Prime Minister Barre, who touched down in Las Anod on a bright Saturday morning, received a heartfelt welcome from SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, federal lawmakers, and a throng of enthusiastic local residents.

Barre’s visit is noteworthy not just for its historicity—being the first by a sitting Somali Prime Minister in over half a century—but also for its mission. It aims to forge stronger ties with the SSC-Khaatumo administration and set the stage for ambitious regional development projects. During his stay, Barre is slated to engage with local elders, the youth, women, and various civil society groups. Officials are optimistic that the visit will usher in an era of improved infrastructure, educational opportunities, and enhanced service delivery, financed by the federal government.

The backdrop to this unfolding drama is Las Anod’s status as a focal point in a simmering territorial dispute, involving North Western State of Somalia, Northeastern State, and the SSC-Khaatumo administration. The city found itself ensnared in conflict in early 2023, following intense protests that met with a brutal crackdown, culminating in over a thousand fatalities and the displacement of more than 150,000 individuals. The repercussions have been lasting, with SSC-Khaatumo now aligning with the federal government and pursuing recognition as a federal member state.

This situation invites reflection. Can diplomatic finesse navigate these turbulent waters? And, perhaps more poignantly, what does the future hold for regions embroiled in such complex territorial disputes?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.