Sources close to the Puntland presidency have confirmed that nine prisoners currently held in Puntland prisons, who were captured from Somaliland, will be transferred from Garowe tomorrow.

In return, Somaliland is set to release 11 prisoners originally from Puntland.

This marks the first such agreement aimed at normalizing relations between the two neighboring regions, which have long been at odds.

Puntland and Somaliland have been in dispute over the Sool and Sanaag regions. However, in 2023, following a major conflict in Las Anod, a new administration called SSC-Khaatumo was established.

Somaliland considers itself an independent state, while Puntland is a federal member state of Somalia.

Sources in Hargeisa indicate that this prisoner release reflects a new thaw in relations between Hargeisa and Garowe.

During the Las Anod conflict, Puntland supported the local population with troops, weapons, and finances, which contributed to Somaliland’s defeat in the August 2023 battle.

However, relations between Puntland and SSC-Khaatumo have recently soured, particularly after SSC-Khaatumo aligned itself with the Federal Government of Somalia — a government that Puntland currently has strained ties and deep disagreements with.

The post Puntland and Somaliland Set to Exchange Prisoners in Landmark Agreement appeared first on Kaab TV.

The conflict, which involved clan militias and Ethiopian Somali Regional State forces, left over 35 people dead and displaced hundreds.

Officials from both sides announced an agreement to cease hostilities in the disputed area, resolving the deadly land dispute through what they described as “peaceful and sustainable means.”

The clashes, which erupted last week, saw Somali Regional State forces, reportedly in collaboration with Ogaden clan militia, launch an early morning attack on Dacawalay village.

The assault targeted Isaaq/Arab clan militia and resulted in civilian casualties, including elders and children, according to survivors.

According to hospital sources, over 70 injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Hargeisa and Gebilay for treatment.

Somaliland officials accused the Liyu Police, the Somali Regional State paramilitary force, of leading the attacks and committing human rights violations.

“The violence in Dacawalay has caused immense suffering, including the killing of civilians and the abduction of traditional elders who were working towards peace,” said Somaliland’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdalle Mohamed Arab.

The meeting in Jigjiga, mediated by senior Ethiopian officials including the Commander of the Eastern Zone, General Afgado, and the Minister of the Presidency of the Somali Regional State, brought together key figures from both governments.

The Somaliland delegation included Minister of Defense Mohamed Yusuf Ali, Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi, Chief of the Somaliland National Armed Forces General Nuux Ismail Taani, Chief of Police General Mohamed Aden Saqadhi, and the Director of the National Intelligence Agency.

In a statement, Minister Arab described the talks as “significant,” noting that both sides agreed to end the bloodshed and resolve the conflict through dialogue to prevent future violence.

#Somaliland: In a bid to de-escalate tensions along their shared border, Somaliland and Ethiopia convened their first official talks in Jigjiga on Friday following deadly clashes in the Dacawalay area of Harshin district, Somali Regional State. pic.twitter.com/A0OTOLzKkp

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) December 30, 2024

In Hargeisa, Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro visited injured civilians at Hargeisa Hospital and attended the funerals of those killed in the Dacawalay attack. He condemned the violence and emphasized the need for accountability.

Minister Arab also issued a press release condemning the attacks by Liyu Police, calling them a “flagrant violation of human rights and governance principles.” He demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.

The Somali Regional Police, however, defended their actions, claiming they were targeting “terrorist groups” in the area.

The post Dacawalay Brutality: Somaliland and Ethiopia Aim to Resolve Deadly Conflict appeared first on Kaab TV.

The inferno caused significant destruction to various sections of the New Taiwan Market, a bustling shopping destination in the city.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, as is the full extent of the damage, although aerial photographs released by the local television depict the severity of the blaze.

Local authorities swiftly mobilized a comprehensive response, which included firefighters, and emergency prevention teams.

This morning, a delegation led by Regional President Mustafe Omer, accompanied by federal and regional officials, arrived at the site to assess the aftermath of the devastating fire and started evaluating the damages.

Meanwhile, a rescue team from the neighboring capital city of Somaliland, Hargeisa, arrived at the scene earlier this morning.

Led by the city’s mayor, Abdikarim Mooge, this group immediately lent their expertise and support to the ongoing firefighting efforts. The arrival of the rescue team served as a testament to the close ties and mutual assistance between the Somali region and Hargeisa.

Grateful for the aid received from Hargeisa, local officials fondly recalled the assistance provided by the Somali region’s rescue team when a massive fire ravaged Hargeisa’s Waaheen market in April of the previous year.

Government officials say the incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proactive measures in fire prevention, preparedness, and response in Jigjiga city which has witnessed a considerable growth.

The post Massive fire in Jigjiga city market put under control, officials say appeared first on Kaab TV.