HARGEISA (SD) The Somaliland government has stated that the Special Police Forces of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, known as Liyuu Police, have massacred local people in the Dacawaley area where fighting took place today.

A statement from the Ministry of Security condemned the conflict that occurred in Dacawaley today, which resulted in civilian casualties.

“The government condemns the massacre committed by the Liyuu Police Forces of the Somali Regional State in the Dacawaley area, which resulted in the killing of civilians who were pastoralists. This act is against human rights and the principles of governance,” the statement said.

The statement also mentioned that the Liyuu Police Forces abducted traditional leaders from Somaliland who had gone to the area to work on peace and conflict resolution. The government described this as a blatant violation and abuse.

The Somaliland government reported that the President of the Somali Regional State, Mustafe Muxumed Cumar, expressed his deep regret over the actions of the Liyuu Police in Dacawaley.

The statement added that the Somaliland government has contacted the Ethiopian government regarding this incident. Officials from both sides are scheduled to meet at the border tomorrow to address the issue.

Somaliland stated that the Liyuu Police Forces will be held accountable for the atrocities committed in Dacawaley, where civilians were killed today under the pretext of fighting clan militias.