Sunday August 3, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland’s self-declared government has
firmly opposed the formation of the Northeastern Somali Regional State
administration in Las Anod, describing the move as illegal and asserting that
the regions involved are integral parts of Somaliland's territory.
In an extraordinary meeting held on Saturday, the Somaliland
Cabinet issued a strong statement rejecting the newly announced administration.
The Cabinet reaffirmed that the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Togdheer are part
of Somaliland, citing historical boundaries dating back to its independence
from the British Empire in 1960.
“The Republic of Somaliland is founded on the will of its
people, and its borders are those of 1960 when it gained independence from the
British Empire, and those borders were unified with Somalia before Somaliland
regained its independence 30 years later,” said Minister of Information Ahmed
Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle, who read a press release from the Cabinet.
The Cabinet accused the Federal Government of Somalia of
exploiting ongoing electoral issues and using international military aid to
fuel unrest in Sool and Sanaag. It warned that such interference threatens
peace and stability in the region.
“Sool, Sanaag, and Togdheer are an inalienable part of the
territory of Somaliland. The people of these regions actively participated in
the founding of Somaliland and were among those who voted in the referendum
that ratified our independence,” Minister Ayaanle added.
He noted that the Somaliland government remains committed to
peaceful dialogue with residents in the Sool-Bari area to resolve grievances in
Las Anod. He also claimed the administration has made progress in stabilizing
the Sanaag region.
The Cabinet further expressed concern over the lifting of
the arms embargo on Somalia, stating that it could contribute to more conflict
and allow weapons to fall into the hands of extremist groups.
Meanwhile, Puntland has also denounced the formation of the
Northeastern Somali Regional State, which was officially declared last week in
Las Anod and claims authority over the Sool, Sanaag, and Buuhoodle regions.
Puntland Parliament Speaker Abdirisaq Ahmed Mohamed
(Qaraaje) criticized the new entity for lacking a coherent political vision and
accused it of deepening divisions among northern Somali communities.
The reactions from both Somaliland and Puntland follow the
conclusion of the SSC-Khatumo state formation conference in Las Anod on
Wednesday. The gathering, which included elders, politicians, and civil society
representatives, formally dissolved the SSC-Khatumo interim administration and
ratified a new constitution establishing the Northeastern Somali Regional State
under Somalia’s federal system.
Supporters of the new state say it marks a turning point for
inclusion, peace, and federal cooperation. The conference’s final declaration
emphasized local ownership, highlighting that long-standing regional disputes
were resolved through community-led dialogue.