Dr. Aden Abdullahi, Speaker of the Parliament of Northeast Somalia, made the remarks in an interview on Thursday, emphasizing that the issue of prisoners cannot be separated from broader efforts to end the long-running conflict in Las’anod.

“We are not releasing prisoners for no reason,” Dr. Aden stated. “Some of those in custody have been implicated in serious crimes, including massacres and the displacement of civilians in Lasanod. It is possible that some of them will be brought before a court to face justice for their actions.”

Dr. Aden further explained that his administration is open to releasing the prisoners if meaningful peace talks are initiated and if Somaliland demonstrates genuine commitment to reconciliation.

“If Somaliland agrees to a serious peace process and recognizes the need for a negotiated settlement, we are ready to release those we are holding. But as long as they believe that they can occupy our land by force, releasing prisoners is not an option,” he added.

According to Dr. Aden, the administration has already released 25 detainees in the past, though he noted that it is unclear what reciprocal actions were taken by Somaliland in response.

He expressed frustration that prisoners have remained in detention for nearly three years, attributing the stalemate to Somaliland’s reluctance to engage in dialogue.

The Speaker’s comments come amid reports that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged the Northeast Somalia administration to hand over the captured Somaliland soldiers to the Federal Government.

Sources close to Villa Somalia say the president believes such a move could help build trust and advance national reconciliation efforts.

Earlier this year, in July, Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre visited Lasanod, where he oversaw the transfer of 25 Somaliland army members who had been held by the SSC-Khatumo administration.

The handover was seen as a gesture aimed at easing tensions and facilitating peace talks between the warring sides.

In recent weeks, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reiterated his call for both Somaliland and the SSC-Khatumo/Northeast administration to release prisoners of war and commit to dialogue.

He argued that mutual goodwill and humanitarian gestures — such as freeing detainees — are essential to consolidating peace and stability in northern Somalia.

The Sool conflict, which reignited in late 2022, has led to heavy fighting between Somaliland forces and the SSC-Khatumo administration, which is aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia.

The clashes have displaced tens of thousands of civilians and deepened political divisions across the region.

Despite repeated appeals from international partners, including the United Nations and regional mediators, formal negotiations between the two sides have yet to produce lasting results.

For now, the fate of the Somaliland prisoners remains tied to the uncertain prospects of a peace deal that could finally bring an end to the protracted conflict in Sool.

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In a press release issued on Thursday by the Somaliland Council of Ministers, the government clarified that it has had no discussions with the Somali government concerning the release of prisoners.

“The prisoners taken to Mogadishu by the Prime Minister of Somalia are not prisoners of war,” the statement from the Somaliland Presidency read.

The statement went on to say, “The Somaliland government considers this move an attempt to cover up the political failure of the Somali government.”

International cooperation on prisoner exchange

Somaliland said it had held discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and ambassadors from friendly nations to resolve the prisoner issue in accordance with international laws and procedures regarding prisoners.

“Somaliland is ready to exchange prisoners through any process that aligns with international prisoner exchange frameworks, with the ICRC at the core,” the statement continued.

“The Somaliland government has already discussed the issue of prisoners with its partner countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.”

SSC-Khaatumo Releases 25 Somaliland Prisoners of War

On Tuesday, the SSC-Khaatumo administration released 25 of the Somaliland prisoners who had been held in Las Anod, Sool region.

The release came following a visit by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod this week.

In a joint statement issued by SSC-Khaatumo and the Somali government, it was announced that SSC-Khaatumo had agreed to release 25 prisoners due to special circumstances, describing the move as part of ongoing peace efforts.

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Abdirahman, the chairman of the opposition political group Shacabka [The People], was seized on Friday, April 4, in central Mogadishu, shortly after leaving a political meeting at a downtown hotel.

According to witnesses, armed NISA officers intercepted his vehicle and forcibly removed him from it.

“They suddenly blocked the car, took a photo of Abdirahman, sent it to their superiors, and after receiving confirmation, ordered everyone else out before driving off with him,” said fellow politician Abdikarin Deyr Abdi, who was present during the incident.

A vocal critic of Somalia’s federal leadership

Abdirahman is a vocal critic of Somalia’s federal leadership, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

In recent media appearances, he denounced the federal government’s security failures and criticized the Prime Minister’s planned visit to Lasanod—a city in the contested Khaatumo region, from where Abdirahman hails.

Initially held at the notorious Godka Jilaow facility—run by NISA and long associated with the secret detention of government critics—Abdirahman was recently transferred to the Hamar Weyne police station.

This follows growing domestic and international pressure over his detention, according to political associates.

“He has been held without a warrant, without access to legal counsel, and without any charges,” said Mohamed Dirir, a friend and political ally.

A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, also confirmed his transfer to the police station but expressed concern over continued denial of his legal rights.

When contacted, Mogadishu police spokesperson Abdifatah Hassan declined to comment and referred questions to NISA.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Farhan Jimale, also refused to discuss the case.

The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups.

The Himilo Qaran Party, led by former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, released a strong statement denouncing the detention.

“This political kidnapping is a blatant violation of Somalia’s constitution and a disgrace to the Federal Government,” the party said.

The Wadajir Party, led by MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, also condemned the arrest. “It’s a clear violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression,” the party stated.

As of now, no formal charges have been filed against Abdirahman Suleiman Jama.

Calls for his immediate release continue to grow, with critics accusing the government of using intelligence agencies to suppress dissent and intimidate political rivals.

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