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Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has called for an immediate ceasefire following deadly clashes in the Waqdaria and Shidan areas of Lasqoray district in the Sanaag region. The fighting, which involves two local clans, has raised serious concern, especially as it is taking place during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking on Thursday, President Irro made a direct appeal to those involved in the violence, urging them to lay down their weapons and choose peace. He stressed that the blood of Muslims is sacred and should never be shed, particularly during Ramadan, a month known for prayer, forgiveness, and unity. He reminded the communities that Islam strongly forbids killing and called on them to respect the spiritual significance of the season.
The Minister of State for Interior and Security, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, also addressed the situation and confirmed that the clashes are between two clans in the area. He urged both sides to stop the fighting without setting any conditions. According to the minister, the government is ready to help resolve the dispute through dialogue and peaceful discussions. He emphasized the importance of preserving community honor, brotherhood, and long-standing social ties.
The opposition party, Kulmiye Party, also reacted to the violence, describing the bloodshed as deeply unfortunate. The party said it was painful to see Muslims fighting one another during Ramadan and called on the government to take urgent steps to mediate. It encouraged leaders to involve traditional elders, religious scholars, and respected intellectuals from the region to help broker a lasting peace agreement between the two sides.
As the appeals for calm continued, the Puntland administration accused Somaliland of fueling the conflict in Waqdaria. Officials from the northeastern administration claimed that outside interference played a role in escalating tensions. However, Somaliland authorities have not formally responded to these accusations.
Despite the political blame game, independent reports from people in the area suggest that the root cause of the conflict is not new. Local sources say the fighting stems from long-standing disputes between the two clans over land ownership and grazing boundaries. Competition over resources such as pasture and water has historically caused tension in many rural parts of the Sanaag region. In recent days, those tensions reportedly worsened, eventually leading to armed confrontation.
Community members say that misunderstandings and unresolved grievances built up over time. Without proper mediation or clear agreements on land use, minor disputes can quickly spiral into violence. The current clashes appear to follow this pattern, with both sides mobilizing armed fighters after disagreements intensified.
Residents in nearby areas have expressed fear that if the fighting continues, it could spread further and cause displacement or additional casualties. Many families are calling on clan elders and religious leaders to intervene quickly before the situation worsens.
The calls for peace from political leaders, opposition parties, and government officials reflect growing concern about stability in the region. Observers say that resolving the conflict will require sincere dialogue, trust-building, and a willingness from both clans to compromise. Traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, which have long been used in Somali communities, may play a key role in bringing calm.
As Ramadan continues, religious leaders are also expected to step in and remind communities of the values of patience, forgiveness, and reconciliation. For now, residents in Waqdaria, Shidan, and surrounding areas are hoping that the appeals for peace will be heard and that fighting will stop before more lives are lost.