Ministry of Foreign Relations and International Cooperation has notified the international community about attacks by anarchists from Somalia aimed at disrupting the elections, which poses a grave threat to regional peace and security.
A press release issued on 28th August 2024, read as follows;
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland is deeply concerned about the recent outbreak of hostilities in and around the town of Goof, located in the southeastern part of the Sanaag region. These hostilities have been deliberately instigated by militia groups with the clear intent of disrupting Somaliland’s upcoming elections, scheduled for November, and undermining the decades-long peace the Government and people of Somaliland have diligently maintained. The upcoming elections and sustained peace in Somaliland are what set us apart and embody the will and aspirations of Somaliland’s citizens.
Initial intelligence reports received by the Government of the Republic of Somaliland indicate that these anti-Somaliland hostilities are being led by Ahmed Karaash, the former vice president of the Puntland administration, along with several external anti -Somaliland militia forces, who not only aim to destabilize the Republic of Somaliland but also threaten the entire Horn of Africa region. intelligence reports also show that Karaash is currently in the border district of Buuhoodle in the Republic of Somaliland’s Togdheer region and is actively attempting to mobilize militia forces.
So far, this unprovoked aggression by militia groups has tragically claimed the lives of eight people, including five innocent nomadic herders who were brutally murdered in Goof, located 80 kilometers southeast of Erigavo, the regional capital of the Republic of Somaliland’s Sanaag region. In retaliatory actions, three members of the militia forces have also been killed. Despite these troubling developments, the Government of the Republic of Somaliland categorically condemns these aggressions by anti-Somaliland militia forces. We call upon the international community to take immediate notice of this attack, which poses a grave threat to regional peace and security.
To the Somaliland people, we assure you that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further escalation of violence. The Government of the Republic of Somaliland is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of our territories and citizens. We further issue a stern warning to those fueling this conflict to cease their inflammatory aggressions immediately. The Government of the Republic of Somaliland will not hesitate to take decisive countermeasures to protect the country and ensure the safety of its citizens.
The situation is evolving, and the Government of the Republic of Somaliland will provide further updates as additional information becomes available. We strongly urge all Somalilanders, at home and abroad, to unite in the face of this naked aggression against Somaliland.