In an official statement read by the spokesperson of the Somaliland Presidency, the government said the decision was made in response to what it described as Somalia’s “persistent violations” against Somaliland and the principles previously agreed upon in earlier negotiations between the two sides.

The statement also strongly condemned the recent visit of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod on April 12, 2025.

Somaliland presidential spokesman, Hussein Adan Deyr, the visit as “a provocative and unlawful act” that violates international norms and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Somaliland.

“That action was a political provocation and an incitement to conflict, which directly threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa. It was a blatant violation of international norms and an infringement on the rights of Somaliland citizens, who were unlawfully abducted,” Deyr said.

Prime Minister Barre’s visit to Las Anod was the first by a top Somali federal leader since the eruption of the SSC-Khaatumo conflict two years ago.

During his trip, Barre met with local officials, elders, and members of the SSC-Khaatumo administration, reiterating the federal government’s support for communities that have resisted Somaliland’s authority in the region.

Despite the withdrawal from talks, the Somaliland government reiterated its commitment to peace in the Sool region.

The statement recalled the peace appeal issued by the President of Somaliland during his inauguration on December 12, 2024.

The government emphasized that peace remains its top priority, but firmly maintained that defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somaliland is a non-negotiable principle.

The Somaliland – SSC-Khaatumo Conflict

The decision comes amid ongoing tensions in the Sool region, particularly around Las Anod, where forces loyal to the self-declared SSC-Khaatumo administration—aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia—have been in conflict with Somaliland forces since early 2023.

The conflict escalated after local elders and leaders in Las Anod declared their withdrawal from Somaliland’s authority and pledged allegiance to the Federal Government of Somalia.

They subsequently formed SSC-Khaatumo, a regional administration advocating for a federal framework under Mogadishu.

Months of intense clashes have resulted in hundreds of casualties and the displacement of tens of thousands.

Humanitarian agencies have raised concerns over the deteriorating situation, limited aid access, and the risk of further escalation.

While Somaliland continues to claim the region as part of its territory based on colonial-era borders, the SSC-Khaatumo and the Somali government assert that the area falls within Somalia’s federal system.

Somaliland’s exit from dialogue with Mogadishu casts doubt on the future of negotiations and raises fears of renewed instability in contested areas specially in the Sool and Sanaag regions.

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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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