Sunday 22,Dec,2024 {HMC} Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has called for dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts with SSC-Khatumo forces in the contested Sool and Sanaag regions.
During a security meeting with opposition leaders, the Kulmiye and Kaah parties in Hargeisa, on Saturday, President Irro reiterated his government’s commitment to an unconditional peace process with all parties involved.
“The government is not at war with its people, but it is our constitutional duty to defend the country against any enemy,” said Presidential Spokesperson Hussein Ige Dayr. He affirmed that Somaliland’s national forces remain fully authorized to protect the nation and its citizens.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) recently reported that ongoing clashes between Somaliland troops and SSC-Khatumo forces in Erigavo town, Sanaag region, have displaced nearly 43,000 people and killed several, including children. Many of the displaced have fled to Ceel Afweyn and Laasqoray in the Sanag region, while others have reached Bossaso, Laas Caanood, Xuddun, and Burco districts.
The conflict began on December 14 and has led to significant disruption in Erigavo, where a fragile calm has been reported since the withdrawal of SSC-Khatumo forces on December 16. However, local residents say tensions remain high, with fears of renewed violence.
