The British have promised to work with Somaliland on the elections and finding a solution to the Las Anod issues
By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi held a virtual video conference with the Minister of State for Development and African Affairs of the UK Government Hon. Andrew Mitchell whereby they discussed the situation in Las Anod and Somaliland elections.
The Head of State briefed the British minister on the real situation of the Las Anod while emphasizing on the government’s repeated stance on the way forward of achieving lasting peace.
He underpinned the fact that the state has always stood for unconditional ceasefire to facilitate the lasting solution given the people of Somaliland in Lasanod will always reconcile on what happened.
He however underpinned the fact that what is important is that the international community sees to it that the Puntland-Somalia administration withdraw its troops completely from Las Anod and the borders of Somaliland.
He noted that the presence of Puntland-Somalia army in the area as a major obstacle that curtails and undermines the efforts of attaining peace.
He said that the foreign militia that have flooded the country with the aim of dismembering the territorial borders may set a dangerous precedent for the whole continent of Africa, and that Somaliland has all the rights to defend its integrity.
On the other hand, the President briefed the Minister of State on the electoral activities, saying that the government has already prepared the expenses related to the elections, and especially that for the distribution of voter cards due slated in June.
It will be distributed by the National Elections Commission.
He also said that the government is ready for its role in the elections, especially the elections for official national parties who will be in office for the subsequent decade as per constitution.
For his part, the Minister of State for International Development and Africa of the UK Government, Mr Andrew Mitchell, noted that the British government is ready to work with Somaliland on the electioneering processes and finding a solution to the Las Anod issues.
Finally, the meeting discussed on the investment cooperation between Somaliland and the British government, how to dually bolstering them.
The President was flanked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Isse Keyd Mohamud during the virtual conference.