JIGA JIGA (SD) – A statement issued by the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia addressed the ongoing tensions in the Dacawaley area, where Liyuu Police forces clashed with local residents yesterday.

The administration, taking a step that could further escalate the tension, claimed that their forces fought against militias they accused of disrupting the area’s stability.

The administration also stated that the attack on their forces occurred yesterday and that they bear no responsibility for the incident.

Furthermore, the Somali Regional State accused Somaliland of violating the neighborly relations between the two administrations and of exaggerating the conflict at their border.

Somaliland, in its response to the conflict, accused the Liyuu Police of committing a massacre in Dacawaley, killing pastoralists, and kidnapping elders who were seeking a resolution.

This situation indicates a new dimension to the tension at the Somaliland and Somali Regional State border, as the conflict has affected both administrations. Following yesterday’s clashes, many injuries were reported in the cities of Hargeisa and Jig jiga.