HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro, has described the recent visit by Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to the city of Lasanod as an “Open Act of aggression.”
President Irro made the remarks today during his annual address to the Somaliland Parliament on Sunday.
“The position of the Somaliland government regarding the visit of Somalia’s Prime Minister to the eastern Sool region of Somaliland was clearly outlined in the communiqué issued after the 16th meeting of the Somaliland Council of Ministers, which I chaired on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. In that meeting, the Republic of Somaliland officially withdrew from talks with Somalia,” said President Irro.
Prime Minister Hamza paid a three-day visit to Las Anod last week where he met officials of the SSC-Khaatumo.
During the visit the SSC-Khaatumo released 25 prisoners of war of Somaliland who were captured during the August 2023 conflict between Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo clan forces.
“Open Act of Aggression”
Irro accused Hamza Abdi Barre of attempting to destabilize Somaliland and warned that such provocation could lead to “civil conflict.”
“My government has informed the international community that the arrival of Somalia’s Prime Minister is a violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and an outright act of aggression against the Republic of Somaliland. This move aims to destabilize and undermine the peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts that Somaliland has pursued with great effort and determination,” Irro added.
“Once again, we warn that this violation could quickly spark civil conflict.”
He stated that Somaliland has informed neighboring countries about its ongoing peace efforts.
“Somaliland continues to notify neighboring countries and the international community that it remains committed to its peacebuilding, reconciliation, and good-neighborly efforts. However, it must also remind them that it retains the full capability to defend itself against any aggression,” said President Cirro.