Hargeisa Feb 19, 2023 (SD) – The Garxajis clan traditional leaders in Somaliland have issued a statement regarding the ongoing conflict in the city of Las Anod, located in the Sool region. They have called upon the Somaliland government, headed by President outgoing Muse Bihi Abdi, to take responsibility for the situation.

During a meeting held in the city of Hargeisa, the elders and community leaders discussed the current situation in Las Anod and the stalled talks between the Somaliland government and the Las Anod community.

They expressed disappointment that the previous ceasefire and promises made by the government have not been fulfilled. The elders also condemned the violence taking place in Las Anod and urged the Somaliland military to withdraw from the city, emphasizing that the conflict is causing harm to innocent civilians.

They also called on the government to allow local leaders to participate in the peace negotiations and to find a lasting solution to the conflict. The SSC traditional leaders, who spoke to the media in Las Anod, welcomed the statement issued today by the Garxajis traditional leaders in Hargeisa.

On the other hand, Mohamed Abib, a member of the Somaliland House of Representatives, who also held a presser n Hargeisa, said that the ongoing war in Las Anod is not a national one, but a civil war. Adding the offensive has not been brought before the legislative councils. There are increasing calls from the people of Somaliland to end the war.