Tuesday March 21, 2023
Las Anod (HOL) - A delegation of federal lawmakers from the Sool region arrived in Las Anod on Sunday. The city has been the site of intense clashes between local militia and Somaliland troops, resulting in the displacement of 200,000 residents and at least 200 deaths.
Senator Abdullahi Ali Tima'ade, the second deputy speaker of the Upper House, is among the visiting parliamentarians. He stated that their purpose for visiting Las Anod is to meet with local people and observe the situation on the ground. Tima'ade emphasized that all lawmakers should see their constituencies during parliament's recess.
"We will visit our constituencies, meet our people and report back to parliament on what we have seen and heard," said Senator Timacade.
Senator Tima'ade also stated that the people of Las Anod and the surrounding areas consider themselves part of Somalia, and the federal government should recognize this. He added, "I would advise the Somaliland government to withdraw from the area and engage in direct dialogue with locals."
The federal MPs and senators representing their constituencies last visited the area almost 15 years ago, and Senator Tima'ade described this visit to Las Anod as gratifying.
Senator Tima'ade's visit to Las Anod comes a day after Garaad Abdisalan Hassan, a traditional elder of the SSC-Khatumo in the city,
reported that 30 people had died and 60 others were seriously injured in the
latest clash between the Somaliland army and SSC-Khatumo forces.
During the eight-hour battle on Saturday, both sides claimed to have taken prisoners, vehicles, and weapons. The spokesperson for SSC's 33-member committee
accused Somaliland of killing prisoners of war captured during the conflict. In response, Somaliland accused "Puntland-led allied" forces of instigating the violence. However, the SSC elders denied this claim.