Somaliland halts peace talks with Somalia after PM Barre’s visit to Las Anod
Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday April 16, 2025
FILE — Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, speaks during a press conference in HargeisaMogadishu (HOL) — Somaliland has formally ended negotiations with Somalia’s federal government, accusing it of repeated violations of its sovereignty after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited Las Anod, a city at the heart of a territorial dispute.
The decision was announced Wednesday by Somaliland’s Council of Ministers, marking the collapse of more than a decade of peace talks. Hargeisa said the visit was “a blatant provocation” and evidence that Somalia had abandoned the path of peaceful resolution.
“Somalia has deviated from the principles of dialogue,” said Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle. “Effective April 16, 2024, Somaliland is no longer part of any negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia.”
Barre’s visit to Las Anod was billed as part of a “Unity Reinforcement Mission” by Mogadishu. The city has been under the control of the SSC-Khaatumo administration since early 2023, following months of deadly conflict that forced Somaliland forces to withdraw. Somalia recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state earlier this year.
Tensions escalated further after SSC-Khaatumo handed over 25 prisoners—previously held by Somaliland—to the Somali government. The detainees were transported to Mogadishu without prior consultation with Somaliland authorities.
Somalia’s Justice Minister Hassan Moalim said the government was focused on reintegrating the released individuals, who had been detained for nearly two years. He emphasized their humanitarian needs, noting that some suffered from chronic illnesses or injuries.
“These are Somali citizens who were caught in a conflict. They are no longer prisoners. They’re receiving medical care and being reunited with their families,” Moalim said in an interview with the BBC. “This is a message of peace. We hope Somaliland will take similar steps.”
Moalim added that the federal government specifically requested the release of the most vulnerable individuals, including women and the elderly. He credited SSC-Khaatumo for agreeing to the transfer without conditions.
However, Somaliland dismissed the move as unlawful. Ayanle said the individuals were not prisoners of war and claimed their transfer was a politically motivated abduction meant to deflect from Somalia’s internal problems.
“There were no negotiations. This act violates international norms and the rights of Somaliland citizens,” Ayanle said.
The Council of Ministers also urged the international community to condemn what it called continued violations by Somalia in the eastern Sool region and to support efforts to stabilize the area, which remains contested.
The SSC-Khaatumo administration emerged following a grassroots rebellion against Somaliland’s rule in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions. Its rise has reshaped local power dynamics, and its recognition by the federal government has further strained relations with Somaliland.
Clashes in early 2023 between Somaliland forces and local fighters left hundreds dead and displaced tens of thousands, drawing international concern.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, operates with its own government, institutions, and currency but has yet to receive international recognition. Multiple rounds of dialogue with Somalia—hosted in Djibouti, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates—have failed to yield a political settlement.