The Las Anod violence, which has resulted in over 170 deaths, over 500 injuries, and additional casualties anticipated as the battle goes on, has been denounced by the Garhajis community.
After several days of discussions, the community’s traditional elders organised a news conference in Hargeisa on Sunday to highlight that Muse Bihi Abdi’s administration is to blame for the deaths of unarmed residents.
“The neighbourhood has made the decision not to take part in the President’s suggested peace negotiations. As Muse Bihi cannot be guaranteed to uphold any peace deal, the community feels that the proposed peace discussions must adhere to the requirements of conventional peace talks. Moreover, Las Anod is constantly being shelled and is unable to host any peace negotiations.”
The community recommended that violence end right away and that warring forces be safely divided. There should be no obstacles to humanitarian relief for displaced civilians, and the Somaliland administration’s military should be withdrawn from Las Anod.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a former president of Somalia, praised the Garhajis community for its determination to stop the bloodshed in Las Anod.
“The choices made by the Garhajis community show unequivocally that brotherly communities desire to coexist in harmony. I have faith that the community’s choices and suggestions will provide the brothers a chance to live in peace and harmony.”
The former president pleaded with the Somaliland administration and SSC-Khatumo to respect the community’s traditional elders’ request and abstain from acts of vengeance during the holy months, when doing so is forbidden by Islam.
Conflict in a disputed border town in Somaliland, a breakaway province of Somalia, has reportedly driven more than 185,000 people from their homes, according to the UN emergency response organisation.
Since 1991, Somaliland has asserted its independence from Somalia, but it has never received international recognition. It is frequently regarded as a ray of stability in an unstable area.
