The Ministry of Justice has raised concerns about the abduction of prisoners by the Somalia government, who were detained in the East Sool, particularly in Lasanood. Most of these prisoners were captured in areas surrounding the East Sool region where clashes occurred.
In a press statement signed by the Minister of Justice, Hon. Yonis Ahmed Yonis, it was stated:
The Somalia government has blatantly violated international laws, including regional (African) regulations, particularly the Third Geneva Convention (1949) concerning prisoners of war. Specifically, Articles 12 and 118 stipulate that the release of prisoners of war must not be used for political purposes or to exert pressure on any party. According to International Humanitarian Law, prisoners of war must be handled in accordance with international legal standards.
However, the Somalia government has used these prisoners for political purposes and to pressure the Republic of Somaliland, forcing them to wear the Somalia flag. Additionally, the prisoners have suffered from widespread neglect and lack of care.
There have been no direct negotiations between the Somaliland and Somalia governments regarding the exchange of prisoners. However, the Somaliland government is engaging with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to facilitate the transfer of these prisoners.
Consequently, we call on the Somalia government to hand over the prisoners, who were illegally abducted, to international organizations responsible for handling prisoner exchanges.
We also urge the international community and human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation of the prisoners transferred from East Sool, Laasanod and to pressure the Somalia government to cease its unlawful interference against the Republic of Somaliland.
We further call on the Somalia government to refrain from politicizing the prisoners detained in East Sool, Laasanod, so as not to undermine efforts toward peace and prisoner exchanges.
Finally, the Republic of Somaliland reaffirms its commitment to establishing a mutual understanding in line with international laws for the exchange of prisoners.