US embassy delegation meets with Somaliland officials on Las Anod violence and elections.
Source: Hiiraan Online, Thursday February 23, 2023
Hargeisa (HOL) – A delegation from the US Embassy in Mogadishu, led by Chargé d’Affaires Tim Trenkle, arrived in Hargeisa on Thursday to meet with Somaliland government officials, civil society representatives, and youth leaders.
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi received the delegation, and meetings were held to discuss security, prosperity, and democracy in the region.
The Chargé d’Affaires reiterated the United States and international community’s call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Las Anod and condemned the tragic loss of life and violence.
The delegation also discussed efforts toward a consensus-based electoral process and the timely conduct of elections.
They also met with diverse political, civil society, and youth leaders to discuss shared priorities, including democratic participation and inclusion.
Members of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network and alumni of the YALI Regional Leadership Center shared how the initiative contributes to youth and community development in Somaliland.
On Wednesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that clashes between security forces and clan leaders in Las Anod, in northern Somalia, have left 150 people dead and over 600 others wounded since February 6.
Jurg Eglin, head of the ICRC delegation for Somalia, called for quick and unimpeded humanitarian access to victims of violence which started on February 6.