Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable escalation of diplomatic tensions, North Western State of Somalia has issued a stern warning against the potential visit of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod, reigniting a long-standing territorial conflict over this contested city.
Come Friday, North Western State of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning Prime Minister Barre’s proposed visit as a “brazen breach” of territorial integrity. The message was clear: Somalia’s federal government will be held accountable should tensions boil over into conflict.
“This ill-timed visit represents more than just a political gambit; it’s a provocation likely to kindle new conflicts,” read the statement. Spokespersons for North Western State of Somalia strongly expressed that any escalations are on Somalia’s head.
Adding gravity to the unfolding situation, high-ranking Somali officials, such as Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Xoosh, set foot in Las Anod ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, expected to launch several federally funded developmental ventures. These moves assert the Somali government’s unwavering support for the SSC-Khaatumo administration, a group that aligned with Mogadishu following their successful expulsion of North Western State of Somalia’s forces earlier in 2023.
Rumors swirl as elite Somali federal troops make their way to Las Anod, laying the groundwork for the pivotal visit. Yet, the precise date remains undisclosed, adding a layer of anticipation and concern over what this trip signifies.
This potential visit marks a watershed moment; it’s been over fifty years since a sitting Somali prime minister visited Las Anod. This gesture promises to redefine federal involvement in a region long excluded from direct Somali governance. With posters of Prime Minister Barre adorning the streets and SSC-Khaatumo officials touting the visit as “historic,” the area resonates with an unprecedented federal presence, following its official recognition as an interim administration in October 2023.
The local SSC-Khaatumo administration, vocal in its defense against North Western State of Somalia’s threats, has reinforced its grip over Las Anod, vowing to ensure the Prime Minister’s safety amidst the mounting geopolitical drama.
“Our control over Las Anod remains unchallenged, and we’re poised to secure the Prime Minister’s visit,” stated an SSC spokesperson with assured optimism.
Meanwhile, North Western State of Somalia’s Parliament convened earlier this week to discuss what it perceives as an unwelcome violation of its sovereignty. Echoing the gravity of the situation, North Western State of Somalia’s Information Minister, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, accused the federal government of transposing Somalia’s internal strife onto North Western State of Somalia’s doorstep. The press conference in Hargeisa was tense, underscoring the intricate link between regional stability and national ambitions.
Las Anod sits at the epicenter of this geopolitical storm—a place scarred by years of conflict between North Western State of Somalia, Northeastern State, and more recently, the SSC-Khaatumo. Formed by local elders who rejected the rule of both Hargeisa and Garowe, this grassroots movement has reinvigorated old tensions. Early 2023 bore witness to the volatility of the region, where deadly clashes claimed over 300 lives and left a humanitarian crisis in its wake, displacing more than 150,000 people after the killing of a local leader.
As SSC-Khaatumo strengthens its authority and seeks federal acknowledgment, federal forces have reciprocated by boosting infrastructure and instituting services including a new branch of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency established in August 2024—a move celebrated by SSC-Khaatumo leaders as affirmation of their resolve for federal allegiance.
“The commitment of our government to the people of SSC and the region’s development is unequivocal,” declared Interior Minister Xoosh upon his recent arrival.
North Western State of Somalia remains steadfast, urging international actors like the African Union, IGAD, the United Nations, and the Arab League to mediate, citing Somalia’s “reckless conduct” that could imperil delicate peace initiatives.
“Though firmly rooted in dialogue and regional collaboration, North Western State of Somalia stands ready to ensure its sovereignty is respected without equivocation,” the statement declared.
As Las Anod becomes a focal point for political machinations and security measures escalate, all indicators point to an imminent visit by the Prime Minister—a visit charged with significant implications for the complex web of local and regional politics unfolding in the Horn of Africa.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
