Hargeisa (KAAB TV) – The government of Somaliland has accused the Federal Government of Somalia of being involved in the violent clashes that broke out Thursday between Somaliland forces and the SSC-Khatumo administration in the Dhumudare area of the Sanaag region.
In a statement released Friday by Somaliland’s Ministry of Security, the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamsa Abdi Barre, who recently visited Lasanood, was accused of playing a role in orchestrating the violence and destabilizing Somaliland.
“These actions represent a serious threat to regional stability and violate the principles of sovereignty and peaceful coexistence,” the statement read. “While Somaliland continues to be a pillar of peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa, the incitement of conflict undermines all efforts aimed at stabilizing the region.”
The Ministry reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to defending what it views as its territorial integrity, while urging the international community to intervene and take steps to prevent further escalation.
In response, the SSC-Khatumo administration issued its own statement late Thursday night, accusing Somaliland forces of attacking nomadic communities in the region. The administration emphasized its duty to defend its people and territory.
The latest clashes come amid growing tensions over the disputed regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn (SSC) — areas claimed by both Somaliland and Puntland, but administered by SSC-Khatumo. The renewed hostilities follow Prime Minister Barre’s landmark visit to Lasanood, the administrative capital of SSC-Khatumo, where he pledged support to the transitional government and launched development projects.
The conflict between Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo has intensified since early 2023, following a public uprising in Lasanood that led to Somaliland’s withdrawal from the city.