According to local sources, Puntland troops have reportedly reached strategic locations including Boocame district and the Farlibaax area of Sool. These movements are believed to be part of a larger strategy to block the in-person voter registration activities being carried out by the Federal Electoral Commission and SSC-Khaatumo officials.

The Vice President of Puntland, Ilyas Osman Lugatoor—who hails from this region—has openly opposed the registration efforts, claiming that these territories fall under the jurisdiction of the Puntland administration. His strong stance has reportedly galvanized local militia forces from his community, who are said to be on high alert and prepared to confront any attempts to proceed with the voter registration in these contested areas.

Vice President Lugatoor recently toured several areas in Sool, where he emphasized Puntland’s administrative authority over the region. During his visit, he inaugurated key development projects, laying foundation stones for infrastructure initiatives funded by the Puntland government. These actions have been interpreted as a direct challenge to SSC-Khaatumo’s efforts to assert control over the region through the voter registration process.

The situation has raised fears of escalating tensions between Puntland and the North East Somalia administration. Many observers warn that the current military deployments, coupled with the political rhetoric from both sides, could trigger open conflict unless de-escalation measures are taken.

The Sool region has long been a disputed area, with multiple administrations claiming authority. The recent developments mark a significant flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over political control and representation in Somalia’s federal system.

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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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The battle, which lasted more than nine months and took place in the city of Lasanod, led to the defeat of Somaliland forces in August 2023.

SSC-Khaatumo captured more than 300 Somaliland prisoners, who were being held in a detention facility in Lasanod.

The release of the 25 prisoners was announced in a joint statement issued by the Federal Government of Somalia and SSC-Khaatumo.

“The SSC-Khaatumo administration, after consultation with its governing councils, has handed over 25 prisoners captured during the fighting with Somaliland to the Federal Government of Somalia,” the press release stated.

The statement coincided with the conclusion of a two-day visit to Lasanod by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

The SSC-Khaatumo administration has released 25 prisoners of war who were captured during the 2023 conflict between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland.

According to the press release, SSC-Khaatumo decided to release the prisoners due to their health conditions.

SSC-Khaatumo… pic.twitter.com/5bDt2ldPMM

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 15, 2025

According to the press release, SSC-Khaatumo decided to release the prisoners due to their health conditions.

SSC-Khaatumo said the decision was made in consideration of the ongoing peacebuilding initiative.

It remains unclear what will happen to the other prisoners still in SSC-Khaatumo’s custody.

Meanwhile, Somaliland is also holding individuals from the Lasanod area in detention in Hargeisa.

There have been calls from members of the international community urging SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland to engage in dialogue to resolve their disputes and release all detainees held by both sides.

Lasanod was previously part of Somaliland, which had declared separation from Somalia.
However, since the beginning of 2024, the Federal Government has recognized it as part of a Somali federal member state.

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