Hargeisa (KAAB TV) – The Government of Somaliland has firmly denied any ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government of Somalia concerning the release of prisoners captured during the 2023 conflict in Lasanood, then held by SSC-Khatumo forces.
In a press statement released on Thursday, the Somaliland Cabinet asserted that there have been no negotiations with Somalia regarding the status of these detainees.
“The individuals transported to Mogadishu by the Somali Prime Minister are not recognized as prisoners of war,” the statement from the Somaliland Presidency read.
The government further criticized Somalia’s handling of the issue, stating, “Somaliland views this move as an attempt to divert attention from the political failures of the Somali government.”
International Mediation and Prisoner Exchange Talks
The Somaliland government emphasized its willingness to engage in prisoner exchanges through internationally recognized channels, noting that it has held discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and diplomats from several allied nations.
“Somaliland is open to a prisoner exchange process that adheres to international protocols,” said the statement, issued by the Presidency’s spokesperson. “We have addressed this matter with friendly nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.”
SSC-Khatumo Releases 25 Somaliland Detainees
On Tuesday, the SSC-Khatumo administration released 25 Somaliland detainees who had been held in Lasanood, located in the contested Sool region.
Their release followed a visit to Lasanood by Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre. In a joint statement, SSC-Khatumo and the Somali government said the release was part of broader peace efforts and applied specifically to prisoners with special circumstances.