HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Abdilahi Irro, held an urgent meeting today (Saturday) with the leaders of the three major political parties in the country to address the escalating violence in Erigabo, located in the Sanaag region.
The clashes broke out last Saturday when SSC-aligned clan militias launched an assault on Somali security forces, sparking violent confrontations.
Over a dozen people have been killed, and many more have been injured.
UN agencies report that nearly 43,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the intense fighting between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khatumo-backed rival clan militias inside the urban city of Erigabo since last week.
Somaliland president briefed the Chairmen and Leaders of the Three National Parties in depth on the country’s security issues in general, especially the conflicts in Erigabo District.
“The President said that his Government is not at war with its people, but it is a Constitutional obligation to defend the country from any enemy that may arise, and the National Forces have full authority to defend the country and the people,” said Somaliland Presidential Spokesperson, Hussein Adan Deyr.
Deyr further stated that President Abdi once again called for an unconditional peace process for all those involved in the conflicts in the eastern Sool region and Erigabo District.
“His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi, once again called for an unconditional peace process for all those involved in the conflicts in the eastern Sool region and Ceerigaabo District,” he added.
The conflict in Erigabo has now lasted for over a week, resulting in more than ten deaths and leaving many others injured. What began as clashes between local civilians has escalated into a clan-based conflict, with Somaliland forces and the SSC-Khaatumo alliance backing different militia groups in the region.
This latest violence follows a pattern of ongoing instability in the Sool and Sanaag regions, which has been present since last year. Additionally, a separate conflict has broken out in areas along the Somaliland-Ethiopia border, continuing for the past two days.
The situation remains tense, with calls for peace growing louder from various sectors of society.