HARGEISA (SD) – The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has strongly condemned the visit by Somalia’s Prime Minister to parts of the eastern Sool region, describing the trip as a provocative act that threatens regional peace and stability.

In an official statement, Somaliland said the visit constitutes a violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, warning that such actions risk fueling conflict and deepening political tensions in the region.

The government argued that the visit does not contribute to peace or reconciliation but instead undermines ongoing efforts to promote security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland called on the African Union (AU), IGAD, the United Nations, and international partners to oppose what it described as provocative actions by the Federal Government of Somalia and to urge Mogadishu to avoid measures that could escalate regional tensions.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability, and dialogue based on mutual respect but stressed that it would take all lawful and necessary measures to safeguard Somaliland’s independence, security, and territorial integrity.

The Prime Minister’s visit is viewed as another attempt by Mogadishu to assert authority over territory that Somaliland considers part of its sovereign state. Hargeisa argues that such visits are politically motivated and risk undermining fragile stability in eastern Somaliland at a time when efforts toward reconciliation and peace remain ongoing.

The statement also reflects Somaliland’s broader diplomatic strategy of framing the dispute as one involving two separate political entities rather than an internal Somali affair. By appealing directly to regional and international organizations, Somaliland seeks to reinforce its argument that actions affecting disputed areas should be handled through dialogue rather than unilateral political visits.

For Somaliland, preserving stability in Sool remains closely linked to protecting its territorial claims and demonstrating responsible governance. Officials are likely to continue portraying similar visits by senior Somali leaders as challenges to regional peace rather than confidence-building measures, while emphasizing dialogue between Hargeisa and Mogadishu as the preferred avenue for resolving outstanding political differences.