MOGADISHU (SD) – Reports indicate that the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Hamza Abdi Barre, is planning to visit the city of Las Anod, the capital of the SSC-Khatumo administration, in the coming days.

The Somaliland administration has warned Prime Minister Hamza Barre against traveling to Las Anod, which they still claim falls under their control. They also cautioned him against reigniting conflict in the area. The governor of the Sool region under Somaliland, Mr. Ahmed Farah Ismail, issued a direct warning to Prime Minister Hamza, stating that he should not set foot in Las Anod. He further claimed that if Hamza Barre does not stay away from Las Anod, he will bear the consequences.

The Somaliland-appointed governor of Sool alleged that Prime Minister Hamza’s planned visit to Las Anod is part of a scheme to spark renewed conflict in the Sool and Sanaag regions, potentially leading to a new wave of violence.

Additionally, the Somaliland governor accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Barre of being responsible for the previous bloody clashes that took place in Las Anod and surrounding areas. There are concerns that the Prime Minister’s intended visit could fuel fresh political tensions. The Puntland administration, which is also in a dispute with the Federal Government, has likewise opposed the planned visit.