CEERIGAABO (Kaab TV) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro has successfully concluded a peace conference in the Sanaag region, putting an end to prolonged clan conflict that had resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.
The agreement, spearheaded by traditional elders from the Warsangali and Isaaq clans, was officially finalized after weeks of dialogue and mediation.
Two prominent traditional leaders — Sultan Said Abdisalan, the supreme leader of the Warsangali clan, and Elder Abdirashid Ugaas Rooble Ugaas Dhoodi, the grand chief of the Gadabuursi — jointly participated in facilitating the peace efforts in Sanaag.
President Irro, who has recently been in Ceerigaabo, said the peace deal would pave the way for investment and job opportunities in the region.
“Peace opens the door to many opportunities for investment. The Sanaag region is considered one of the most resource-rich areas in Somaliland,” President Cirro said.
He added that during his ten months in office, he had been working toward making the peace conference possible to restore lasting stability in Sanaag.
The Naaleeye Ahmed sub-clan of the Dhulbahante was absent from the signing, but President Cirro extended an open invitation, saying the peace initiative remains inclusive and ongoing.
“Naaleeye Ahmed is awaited in Ceerigaabo. I am waiting, Somaliland is waiting, and the peace table remains open for you,” he declared.
Irro also addressed the people of Las Anod, emphasizing that Somaliland aspires to gain international recognition and that all its citizens, including those in Las Anod, should be part of that journey.
During the Ceerigaabo conflict, it is estimated that around 50,000 civilians were displaced.
Puntland’s Role
President Irro acknowledged Puntland’s contribution to the peace efforts in Sanaag, expressing special gratitude to Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni.
Earlier this month, Somaliland and Puntland reached an understanding in Nairobi, Kenya, where Puntland pledged support for peace in Sanaag. Traditional elders of the Warsangali clan, who inhabit areas on both sides of the border, had held discussions with Puntland’s leadership to back reconciliation.
It is also noteworthy that Warsangali elders had previously opposed the creation of the new North-East regional administration, hastily announced by Somalia’s Federal Government in Laascaanood.
Trips to Ethiopia and the UAE
President Cirro also mentioned that his recent visits to the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia yielded positive results for Somaliland. He promised that following the establishment of peace in Sanaag, the government would implement development projects in the region.
The president was accompanied by the deputy speakers of Somaliland’s House of Representatives and House of Elders, as well as several cabinet members who will remain in Ceerigaabo to oversee the implementation of the peace program.
He announced that all clan militias involved in the conflict had been integrated into the national forces along with their weapons, and that displaced families would be able to return to their homes.