Somaliland to Defend Sovereignty Against Somalia’s Provocative Laascaanood Visit

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland has strongly condemned the visit of Somalia’s Prime Minister to the city of Laascaanood, calling it a blatant violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and a threat to regional peace and stability. In a press release issued by the Ministry, the government made it clear that Somalia’s actions undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the eastern regions of Somaliland.

Somalia’s Continued Interference in Somaliland’s Sovereignty

For many years, Somalia has consistently sought to undermine the sovereignty of Somaliland. Despite the peaceful and democratic path Somaliland has followed, Somalia continues to make aggressive political moves aimed destabilise Somaliland. This includes continued diplomatic and military pressure, often arming clan militias in Sool and Sanaag regions.

The visit of Somalia’s Prime Minister, directly targeting Laascaanood, is the latest in a series of acts that Somaliland views as a provocation. Laascaanood, located in the Sool region, is part of the republic. However, the ongoing tension and confrontations over the region have been exacerbated by Somalia’s consistent interference, which undermines efforts for peace and reconciliation between the various clans and regions.

Somaliland’s government has made it clear that these actions are not only a challenge to the region’s stability but also a violation of Somaliland’s hard-earned independence. For nearly 30 years, Somaliland has maintained peace, democracy, and a functioning government while Somalia has struggled with instability, militia-led violence, and a lack of effective governance.

A Call for International Recognition and Support

In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the Arab League, and other international allies to recognize that Somalia’s interference poses a direct threat to the peace and security of the region. Somaliland has long been a pillar of stability in the Horn of Africa, despite lacking international recognition, and has made significant strides in establishing democratic governance and promoting economic development.

The Ministry stressed that Somaliland’s long history of diplomacy and peace efforts has made it a stabilizing force in a region plagued by conflict and instability. Somaliland has consistently shown restraint in dealing with Somalia’s actions, but the recent provocation regarding the Prime Minister’s visit to Laascaanood has been viewed as the latest attempt by Somalia to destabilize Somaliland’s peace process.

The Growing Risk of Regional Instability

Somaliland warned that if Somalia’s interference continues unchecked, the situation could spiral into greater instability. The threat of conflict, particularly between militias and armed groups backed by both Puntland and Somalia’s federal government, looms large. Somaliland also expressed concerns that Somalia’s actions could allow extremist groups, such as Al-Shabaab, to gain further footholds in the region, exacerbating the already fragile security situation.

In response to the growing tensions, Somaliland has made it clear that it is prepared to defend its sovereignty. The government affirmed its commitment to dialogue, peace, and cooperation with neighboring countries and international bodies, but reiterated that if Somaliland’s independence is threatened, it will take decisive steps to protect its territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its people.

Somaliland’s Future Outlook

The Republic of Somaliland remains steadfast in its pursuit of international recognition and continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence with its neighbors. However, it is also clear that the recent actions by Somalia are pushing Somaliland to reassess its diplomatic strategy and take measures to safeguard its sovereignty. The government of Somaliland is committed to defending its people and their right to self-determination, and it calls on the international community to respect this fundamental principle.

As the situation continues to evolve, Somaliland urges the international community to hold Somalia accountable for its actions and support Somaliland’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.