Lasanod Feb 06, 2023 (SD) – A 13-point declaration was issued at the SSC Regional Reconciliation Conference attended by the traditional leaders of the SSC regions for more than a week.

The SSC leaders declared that they are not part of the separatist administration of Somaliland, but rather are committed to the unity and cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Here is the Declaration from the SSC Regional Reconciliation Conference:

To: President of the Federal Republic of Somalia

Cc: Both Houses of the Federal Parliament

Cc: Members of the Security Council

Cc: Secretary-General of the United Nations

Cc: Chairman of the African Union

Cc: Secretary-General of the Arab League

Cc: Member States of IGAD

Cc: All Somali Diplomatic Representatives

Laascaanood Statement

February 5, 2023.

The Somali people and the international community are aware that the SSC-Khaatumo regions have suffered numerous difficulties over the past 15 years due to the presence of the separatist administration of Somaliland. These difficulties have arisen from the “Blue Uprising” in which the people of these regions have stood up against the separatist aspirations of Somaliland, hoisting the blue Somali flag without hesitation. They have resisted the agendas of violence targeting prominent citizens, the economic sanctions that prevent the presence of development agencies in these regions, the violation of their civil rights, freedom, and pursuit of happiness.

To prevent these difficulties, it was necessary to hold a reconciliation conference attended by traditional leaders, religious leaders, intellectuals, women, and youth organizations, and all segments of the civilian society. The conference was held in Laascaanood, the capital of the SSC-Khaatumo regions, from January 28, 2023 to February 5, 2023.

After extensive discussions on many issues, the participants jointly agreed on the following points:

1- We affirm that we are not part of the Somaliland administration and will never accept or participate in the separatist program, despite the attempts by the Somaliland administration to force us in violation of international laws and regulations.

2- The SSC-Khaatumo regions are part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and are committed to the unity and cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

3- The conference participants for the administration of SSC and Khaatumo have elected 45 members who will administer the affairs of the SSC-Khaatumo regions.

4- The SSC Reconciliation Conference has established a reconciliation and reconstruction fund to support reconciliation efforts and the development of the SSC-Khaatumo regions.

5- Pursuant to Article 48, Clause 2 of the Federal Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, we have decided that the Federal Republic of Somalia shall administer the SSC-Khaatumo regions until the completion of the federalization of Somalia’s land.

6- The Somaliland administration must respect the wishes and aspirations of the SSC-Khaatumo people, and Somaliland must withdraw its forces from SSC-Khaatumo without any conditions.

7- We welcome any negotiations with Somaliland, as long as they fully withdraw their forces from the SSC-Khaatumo region.

8- We hereby declare that we are not terrorists, as Somaliland is attempting to portray us. We are the people of the SSC-Khaatumo regions that Somaliland has invaded and occupied by force. We are ready and capable of protecting and securing our lands, and we are ready to work with neighboring administrations and regions on issues related to security, peace, and stability.

9- There is no doubt that the Somaliland administration is responsible for the murders and planned assassinations of the SSC-Khaatumo people over the past 15 years, since they have occupied our lands by force. This may escalate into a campaign of mass murder against the SSC-Khaatumo people. This has created a fearful atmosphere that has negatively impacted economic activities and businesses.

10- We call on the leaders, religious leaders, and intellectuals of the Isaaq community to convince their administration to withdraw its forces from SSC-Khaatumo.

11- We call on the international community and human rights organizations to investigate the violations committed by the Somaliland administration against our people.

12- We call on the Federal Government of Somalia and the international community to directly deal with the elected management committee responsible for administering all affairs related to the SSC-Khaatumo regions.

13- The results and decisions reached by all the participants of the consultation meeting held in the city of Laascaanood are the final ones, and can only be changed or altered by the same process and methodology.

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