The Republic of Somaliland has issued a stern rebuke to the Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu, condemning what it describes as “blatant interference” in the Sanaag region. The Somaliland government accuses Mogadishu of deploying federal troops to parts of Sanaag, a move it claims threatens the nation’s stability and the broader peace in the Horn of Africa.
In a press briefing, Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness, Hon. Ahmed Yassin Sheikh Ali, labeled the deployment as “deplorable and shameful,” pointing to the Mogadishu government’s inability to secure its own capital against Al-Shabaab militants. “The leader who cannot secure Mogadishu, where Al-Shabaab continues to wreak havoc, has the audacity to send forces to Sanaag. This is a disgrace,” the minister declared.
He warned that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration would bear full responsibility for any consequences stemming from this “reckless provocation.”
The minister highlighted that Somaliland’s borders are non-negotiable and vowed that the government would not tolerate external meddling in its territory. “We call on Mogadishu to immediately cease these unlawful actions. Somaliland’s sovereignty over its borders is unquestionable,” he stated, urging President Mohamud to “keep his hands off matters he was not elected to interfere in.”
Recent reports indicate that federal troops, allegedly including Somalia’s Danab Special Forces, have been deployed to Sanaag, with over 200 personnel expected to arrive in the near future.
Minister Ahmed Yassin also accused Mogadishu of misusing international aid intended for its security forces, claiming that funds are being diverted to destabilize peaceful Somaliland regions like Sanaag.
He called on the international community to scrutinize the allocation of financial support to Somalia’s government, pointing to reports of unpaid federal troops staging protests over salary delays.
In response to the escalating tensions, Somaliland has reaffirmed its commitment to securing Sanaag, with the government mobilizing resources to maintain peace and stability. The minister revealed that Somaliland has established a “peace framework” to foster harmony among local communities in the region, emphasizing dialogue and reconciliation.
Additionally, Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition remains a point of contention, with Minister Ahmed Yassin asserting that “no force or conflict can halt Somaliland’s path to recognition.” He cautioned Mogadishu against actions that could further destabilize the Horn of Africa.