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The Northeastern regional administration has accused Somaliland of deploying troops near disputed border areas, warning that the move could destabilize both the region and the wider Horn of Africa.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Northeastern officials said Somaliland was preparing for a possible attack against their newly established administration. The statement described the buildup as a “grave threat” to peace and stability, noting that the government was “closely monitoring” the situation.
“This planned action poses a grave threat to the peace and stability we have worked hard to establish, and could affect the entire Horn of Africa region,” the statement read.
The administration made it clear that it considered any military aggression from Somaliland unacceptable and would hold Somaliland fully responsible for the consequences. It also urged the Federal Government of Somalia to uphold its constitutional responsibility to protect the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
In addition to appealing to Mogadishu, Northeastern leaders called on international organizations including the United Nations, the African Union, IGAD, the Arab League, and other global partners to condemn what they described as Somaliland’s dangerous actions.
Although Northeastern authorities emphasized their preference for dialogue and peaceful resolution, they also made it clear they were ready to defend their people and their land if attacked. “We seek peace, but we will not hesitate to protect ourselves from any aggression,” the statement continued.
So far, Somaliland has not officially commented on the accusations, nor has it acknowledged deploying troops to the contested areas.
The tensions between Northeastern and Somaliland are not new. Over the past few months, the two sides have repeatedly clashed over control of disputed territories, leading to heavy losses on both sides. These confrontations have deepened mistrust and created growing concerns about the potential for a larger, prolonged conflict.
The latest accusations reflect the fragile and tense nature of relations in the region. Northeastern, which only recently formed its regional government, has been trying to establish stability and governance across its territories. However, disputes over borders and authority continue to pose major challenges.
For Somaliland, which has long sought recognition as an independent state separate from Somalia, control over border regions is seen as a strategic priority. Yet these efforts have often put it at odds with neighboring administrations like Northeastern, raising the risk of further violence.
Observers fear that if the current situation escalates into a full-scale conflict, it could destabilize the entire Horn of Africa. Already, the region faces challenges ranging from armed insurgencies and drought to political rivalries between states. An open conflict between Northeastern and Somaliland would not only worsen insecurity but could also draw in outside actors, complicating an already fragile landscape.
At the same time, calls for dialogue remain strong. Local elders, civil society groups, and international partners have previously urged both sides to de-escalate tensions and find peaceful solutions. But with both Northeastern and Somaliland holding firm positions on territorial claims, the path to lasting peace appears uncertain.
For now, the accusations stand as the latest reminder of how contested borders and political rivalries continue to threaten Somalia’s fragile stability. Whether these tensions lead to further violence or are resolved through dialogue will likely depend on how both sides, along with the federal government and international community, choose to act in the coming weeks.