Hargeisa (SD) – The Somaliland Government today addressed the traditional elders who in the last few days were discussing the delayed Somaliland and Somalia talks in the media.

Somaliland has strongly condemned the elders, including Somaliland’s Chief Sultan, as they have intervened in legal matters, according to the Somaliland foreign minister.

Liban Yusuf Gahnug, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland, said the traditional elders will be prosecuted as they have crossed the cultural barrier, noting that traditional elders cannot decide the fate of Somaliland.

The minister said that the elders and others he did not mention are part of the federal government’s plan to be included in the dialogue.

The minister said that the government of Somaliland is ready to reopen talks with the federal government.

Somaliland traditional elders have been seen in the media, they have called for the reopening of the talks between Somaliland and Somalia, and the involvement of traditional elders.