Tuesday April 29, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed AbdullahiAbdillahi’ Cirro’ on Tuesday pledged to prioritize the release of detainees captured during the Las Anod conflict and to restore the free movement of people and goods between Somaliland and areas under SSC-Khaatumo control.
“In eastern Sool, we will give special importance to the release of prisoners and the reopening of trade and social relations,” Cirro said in his first major statement addressing reconciliation since taking office.
His remarks follow the release of 25 prisoners by the SSC-Khaatumo administration to Somalia’s federal government during Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s landmark visit to Las Anod earlier this month. The detainees were transferred to federal authorities in a move described by SSC-Khaatumo as a humanitarian gesture to foster peace.
The release, which marked the first time a sitting Somali prime minister had visited Las Anod in over 50 years, was widely seen as both symbolic and strategic. Prime Minister Barre, who played a key role in facilitating the handover, also formally recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state—a decision that Somaliland rejects and considers a violation of its territorial integrity.
While Somali officials framed the release as a reconciliation effort, the Somaliland government responded with sharp criticism. Justice Minister Yonis Ahmed Yonis accused Mogadishu of violating international humanitarian law, citing Articles 12 and 118 of the Third Geneva Convention, which prohibits the use of prisoners for political coercion. He also demanded the detainees be handed over to neutral international bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure proper legal oversight.
“The detainees were taken against their will and paraded for political purposes under the Somali flag,” Yonis said, calling the transfer an unlawful act intended to undermine Somaliland’s claims over the region.
Unconfirmed reports later suggested that the released prisoners were flown from Mogadishu to Hargeisa in a discreet transfer, though Somaliland authorities have not officially acknowledged their arrival.
President Cirro’s comments signal a potential shift toward de-escalation, with a renewed focus on prisoner negotiations and regional stabilization. However, he did not specify which mechanism or mediator would oversee any future exchanges, nor did he indicate whether Somaliland is prepared to engage with the federal government directly on the matter.
Cirro’s remarks come as Somaliland concludes the formal integration of thousands of clan-based militia fighters into its security forces—a move described by officials as essential to securing a lasting peace in Sool and Sanaag, where tensions remain high following the Las Anod conflict.
Though both Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo have publicly supported peace initiatives, no formal negotiations have taken place. Observers note that both sides continue to hold detainees, and broader talks over mutual releases remain stalled.
