Somaliland has issued new orders to tighten security in the Awdal and Selel regions, warning residents of those areas that no war mobilization or illegal possession of weapons will be allowed after 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 20.
The Deputy Minister of Somaliland’s Ministry of Interior and Security Affairs, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed Magaalo, said that once the order takes effect, it will be prohibited for any organized or armed group, or any individual carrying weapons without legal authorization, to be seen in the Awdal and Selel regions.
The Deputy Minister directed security forces to take legal action against anyone found with illegal weapons.
According to him, weapons confiscated from people without legal authorization will be handed over to the security forces, while those arrested will be referred to the judicial authorities.
Abdirashid Magaalo also stated that if any armed individual confronts security forces and is injured or killed in that confrontation, they will not be able to claim compensation from the Somaliland government.
This order comes at a time when the security situation in parts of Awdal and Selel has been a sensitive matter, with the government having previously stressed the importance of cooperation between the administration, security forces, and traditional leaders.
Recently, the Deputy Minister of Interior and Security Affairs also held security meetings with officials and traditional leaders, focusing on maintaining stability and preventing actions that could disrupt security.
The Somaliland government also called on traditional elders and residents of Awdal and Selel to cooperate with security forces in maintaining security, and to steer clear of any action that could lead to violence or new confrontations.
These orders come at a time of tension related to the security and political situation in the Awdal and Selel areas.
The government said efforts to preserve peace and stability in those regions are ongoing, and that it is necessary for the community and traditional leaders to play a role in resolving the situation.