After harsh condemnation from the US Embassy in Somalia, the administration of the breakaway Republic of Somaliland issued a statement on Friday asserting its right to protect its territorial integrity.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it took multiple steps to de-escalate the crisis, including removing security personnel from Las Anod and establishing a unilateral ceasefire. “The Republic of Somaliland has the right to defend its territorial integrity,” the statement said, “and our Military Forces have done so with moderation and professionally.”
Nonetheless, the statement stated that armed organizations such as Al-Shabaab militants, Puntland Security Forces, and Somali National Army soldiers are to blame for fueling the war. These groups have rejected peace initiatives and have continued to engage in violence, misinformation, and regional destabilization.
Somaliland reported that they had asked the US for help in pushing Puntland authorities to stop the flow of fighters and arms into Las Anod, but that their appeals had so far gone unanswered.
Somaliland has urged the US, the African Union, and the international community to work together to restore security in Las Anod and support a long-term solution that honors Somaliland’s sovereignty.
The Ministry’s words came after a stern US State Department statement demanding Somaliland to withdraw its security forces and set a specific deadline for finishing the national elections.
The US has stated that it is willing to impose visa restrictions on people who are “undermining democracy” in the region.