Yesterday evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland issued a statement that firmly objects to Mogadishu’s recognition of the SSC-Khaatumo administration. “The Government of the Republic of Somaliland vehemently opposes Somalia’s formal recognition of the clan militia’s authority over Las Anod, Somaliland,” said the breakaway authority.
Hargeisa, Somaliland, SOMALIA.
“Somaliland, which has maintained its independence for over 32 years, has diligently cultivated peace, security, and democratic governance within its borders while also playing a significant role in promoting regional peace and stability,” assumes the Ministry’s statement, avoiding the mentioning of 8-month-long deliberate shelling of civilian objects in Las Anod.
It further blames the Mogadishu-based Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) for “hosting and acknowledging anti-Somaliland militia leaders in Mogadishu,” which, according to Hargeisa, “gravely jeopardize regional peace and security,” while “solidifying Somalia’s role in igniting conflict and instability in Las Anod.” By the “anti-Somaliland militia leaders,” the internationally unrecognized administration refers to SSC-Khaatumo leader Abduqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali ‘Firdhiye’, currently visiting Mogadishu with his delegation.
The Somaliland government then calls upon the FGS to “completely withdraw its support for the [so-called] clan militia” and urges the international community to condemn this recognition. In a bold revelation, the Hargeisa administration challenges all parties to “respect the internationally recognized boundaries of the Republic of Somaliland,” incorrectly implying that Somaliland has been internationally recognized, which is not the case.
Neither Somaliland nor Puntland
This development coincides with the federal government’s official acknowledgement and endorsement of the administrative statement SSC-Khaatumo clan elders issued back in February. It asserts that the SSC areas do not fall under the administration of Puntland or Somaliland but instead under the authority of the FGS. The elders’ declaration effectively nullified claims from both Puntland and Somaliland.
The Somali Digest reported earlier that the FGS’ decision has profound implications for the political equilibrium in Somalia and could exacerbate existing tensions while simultaneously serving the immediate political interests of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Nonetheless, the decision also reflects its responsiveness to the will of the people of SSC-Khaatumo, who endured eight months of continuous bombardment by the Somaliland forces. Faced with this situation, the people of SSC-Khaatumo chose self-administration for their territory and expressed their desire for unity with Somalia, rejecting the secessionist agenda.
