The Government of Somalia has clearly deviated from the path of peaceful coexistence and dialogue, with the visit of Somalia’s Prime Minister to LasAnood constituting a blatant violation of the territorial sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, in its meeting held on April 16, 2025, strongly condemns the provocative action taken by the Prime Minister of Somalia during his visit to LasAnood on April 12, 2025, which was a violation of international norms and the territorial sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland, guided by its peace plan for the Eastern Sool Region, had previously announced a peace initiative on the day the President of Somaliland assumed office, December 12, 2024. It reaffirms that peace remains its top priority, while the defense of Somaliland’s nationhood is an inviolable boundary.
Point 1: Somalia Has Completely Abandoned the Path of Peace and Dialogue
The Government of Somalia has openly strayed from the path of peaceful coexistence and dialogue, with the Prime Minister’s visit to Laascaanood being a deliberate violation of Somaliland’s territorial sovereignty. This action was a political provocation and an incitement to conflict, directly threatening the stability of the Horn of Africa, violating international laws, and undermining the freedom of Somaliland’s citizens through unlawful abductions.
Point 2: No Negotiations Exist Regarding the Release of Prisoners
The Somaliland Government explicitly states that no negotiations have taken place with the Government of Somalia concerning the release of prisoners. The prisoners taken by Somalia’s Prime Minister to Mogadishu are not prisoners of war. The Somaliland Government views this action as an attempt to mask the political failures of the Somali Government.
Point 3: International Cooperation on Prisoner Exchange and the Role of the ICRC
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has engaged in discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and ambassadors of friendly nations to resolve the prisoner issue, in accordance with international laws and procedures governing prisoners. Somaliland is prepared to engage in prisoner exchanges through any process consistent with international prisoner exchange protocols, under the auspices of the ICRC. The Somaliland Government has previously discussed prisoner-related matters with friendly nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Point 4: Somaliland’s Appeal to the International Community
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland urgently calls on the international community to swiftly respond to the violations committed by the Somali Government in the Eastern Sool Region of Somaliland and to support Somaliland’s efforts to restore peace in the region. Somalia’s planned incursion into Somaliland threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa and creates opportunities for extremist and terrorist groups, posing a significant risk to peace and progress across the region.
Point 5: Termination of Talks Between Somaliland and Somalia
Given the Somali Government’s repeated violations against the Republic of Somaliland territory and the principles underpinning previous dialogues between the two nations, the Somaliland Council of Ministers has decided to withdraw from the ongoing talks with Somalia, effective today, April 16, 2025. The Republic of Somaliland remains steadfast in defending its nationhood and upholding its sovereignty without compromise.