By M.A. Egge
The President of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi has once again called for peaceful dialogue as the best way to end the Las Anod crisis.
He at the same time reminded the nation and the world that the issue is one that concerns Somaliland as a country and its people.
The Head of State gave the sentiments as he presided over the passing out parade of hundreds of recruits at the military academy of Abdillahi Askar in Daraweyne on Sunday.
He again called upon the Sool traditional leaders, elders and intellectuals to resolve the crisis through dialogue and brethren-ship.
He said, “The conflict between the people of Sool and Somaliland is between Somaliland and Sool alone. In any setting of any country there are bound to be differences and this one is similar hence I call upon the people of Sool to see to it that the issue is addressed through kinship dialogue”.
The President said that many losses have taken place hence cautioned that it should not be exacerbated in any way but reconciliation should take precedence.
He however warned that military force was always an option if the situation worsens.
The president spoke at length on the importance of security in a nation and acknowledged the gallant roles played by servicemen.
These troops who graduated were batches of the National Army that have been brought from different military schools that they were training in for the collective graduation.
At the ceremony speeches were made by various leaders to lauded the youth who joined the national army and completed the training.
The Minister of Defense Hon. Abdiqani Mohamud Aateeye (Farid) said that the security apparatus were there to protect lives and properties in the nation at large and reflects the dignity of a people.
On the other hand, the commander of the national army of the Republic of Somaliland, Sergeant Nuh Ismail Tani spoke at length of the need of having a well trained force, detailing the diverse sectors of the army.
“We have underscored the fact that the nation has put a lot of effort into these forces and their training and they are required to defend their country and their people from all aggressions”, said the general.
He stressed that the nation will not tolerate provocations in the country such as the current one perpetrated by Puntland.