Somalia’s President says using guns won’t change Las Anod’s status quo

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia sent a peaceful message to the people of Las Anod and the government of Somaliland. He called for calm and for residents to desist from insecurity activities citing that Somali people have had enough turbulence in the last decades.

In his speech, the President asked the public to refrain from speeches in the media that could trigger further turmoil and drag the city into an unprecedented crisis as several people were reported dead and more injured in the last riots.

Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh noted that using live ammunition against protestors won’t change Las Anod’s status quo, and urged Bihi’s administration to deal with the affairs through peaceful negotiations.

He believes Bihi should send officials who have full trust by the Las Anod people in order to engage in talks with the people to solve the tension. However, the Spokesperson of Somaliland national army announced on Thursday that they directed the army to return to barracks to de-escalate the tension and the situation seems to be back to normal.