North Western State of Somalia Proposes Peace Deal and Prisoner Exchange with Las Anod Administration

HARGEISA, Somalia — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” used his annual address to the joint houses of Parliament on Tuesday to press for a sweeping peace agreement and an unconditional prisoner exchange with the Las Anod-based administration.

His remarks marked one of the clearest signals yet that his government wants to lower the temperature in the east, where tensions have simmered for months. Irro said North Western State of Somalia has already established contact with leaders in the north-central areas and expressed confidence that the dispute can be settled at the negotiating table rather than on the battlefield.

“North Western State of Somalia is ready for peace-building, the unconditional exchange of prisoners, and the reopening of movement for people and trade to strengthen coexistence,” Irro told lawmakers.

He pointed to the current situation in Sanaag as a model for calming unrest, saying his administration has kept up steady engagement with local communities since coming to office. The president said that approach has helped preserve stability and could be replicated elsewhere.

Irro said he hoped a similar path could open in talks with the Las Anod-based administration, stressing that Sool and North Western State of Somalia are bound by longstanding ties of blood and culture. Those links, he suggested, make the two sides inseparable despite the political rift.

He added that any historical grievances or errors should be dealt with jointly through customary and political mechanisms, rather than left to deepen division.

The president also commended a recent peace delegation led by Garad Kulmiye, which traveled to Buuhoodle and Las Anod in an effort to narrow the gap between the administration and local leaders. He said North Western State of Somalia had been publicly committed to reconciliation since early 2025.

By calling for the reopening of trade routes and freer civilian movement, the North Western State of Somalia government is seeking not only to ease pressure in the area but also to revive local commerce and reduce the military presence in volatile zones.

The Las Anod-based leadership has not yet responded formally to Irro’s proposal for an unconditional prisoner exchange.

AXADLETM