ERIGAVO (SD) – The Somaliland administration has officially integrated the first group of the SSB (Sanag, Sool, and Togdheer) militia forces, stationed in the Sanag region, into its formal security structure.

Somaliland’s Vice President, Mohamed Ali Abdi, led a delegation in Erigavo to address the ongoing tensions in the Sanag region and oversee the integration of the militia forces, successfully facilitating the incorporation of the first batch of these forces.

“Today, as we integrate the first group of the local militia forces, we have taken a significant step towards peace. Erigavo is now a place where no one can claim exclusive ownership; it belongs to everyone, and we all coexist here,” stated the Vice President during the integration ceremony.

He added that the remaining militia forces would be integrated swiftly and urged the elders of the Sanaag region to support the integration process.

The Vice President also emphasized the importance of the Sanag region and Erigavo to Somaliland, calling on the community and elders to commit to restoring peace.

“We are prepared to fulfill all promises made once peace is fully restored. The President will visit Erigavo to oversee the implementation of these commitments and further development efforts,” he said.

The militia forces, equipped with vehicles and weapons, were formed by some clans from the Sanag, Togdheer, and Sool regions following tensions and clashes involving the SSC-Khatumo forces.