Monday August 3, 2026
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland on Sunday condemned Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's visit to Las Anod, describing the trip as a violation of its claimed territorial sovereignty and warning that it could heighten political and security tensions in the disputed region.
In a statement, the Somaliland government said the visit undermines ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability and accused the Federal Government of taking actions that could inflame tensions.
Somaliland called on the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations and other international partners to discourage what it described as provocative actions and urge Mogadishu to refrain from measures that could further escalate the situation.
Despite its criticism, Somaliland said it remains committed to peace, stability and coexistence but warned that it would take what it called the necessary steps to safeguard its security and territorial claims.
The statement came hours after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Las Anod to participate in celebrations marking the first anniversary of the Northeastern administration and to launch a series of federal government development and public service initiatives.
Barre was welcomed at Las Anod airport by Northeastern leaders, traditional elders and community representatives before holding meetings with regional officials.
During his visit, the prime minister is expected to attend anniversary celebrations and oversee the rollout of projects aimed at expanding federal government services in the region.
Northeastern state is recognized by the Federal Government of Somalia as a federal member administration and has strengthened its ties with Mogadishu following its establishment. Somaliland, however, continues to claim the Sool region, including Las Anod, as part of its territory despite losing control of the city after months of fighting in 2023.
The dispute over Las Anod remains one of the most sensitive political and territorial issues in the Horn of Africa, with both Mogadishu and Hargeisa maintaining competing claims over the region.
