Hargeisa April 25, 2023 (SD) – A group of traditional elders from southern Somalia who previously visited Las Anod has arrived in the city of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.

The visiting elders were welcomed by officials from the Somaliland government and traditional elders. According to the southern Somalia elders visiting Hargeisa, they are there to hold talks with local leaders and elders to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing deadly conflict in the city of Las Anod.

The elders led by Ugaas Mahamoud Cali Ugaas, have reportedly been scheduled to meet with the Somaliland President Muse Bihi. The meeting aims to ease tensions in Laascaanood, and help de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed.

Media outlets in Hargeisa have been denied access to the visitors. Recently, the Somali traditional elders visited the cities of Garoowe and Las Anod, where they discussed the conflict with both Puntland and SSC elders, but are now starting talks with Somaliland officials.

In other news, there are reports of casualties following clashes that erupted today between Somaliland forces and militia in the town of Laascaanood, located in the Sool region.

According to some reports, the clashes have resulted in significant damage to civilian homes and have caused injuries to civilians. There are also reports of at least 20 people being injured in the fighting.

The clashes reportedly involved heavy gunfire and shelling, and it is not yet clear launched the attack. Amnesty International has recently issued a report detailing human rights abuses in the region, including excessive use of force by security forces.

The situation remains tense, and there are concerns that the violence could escalate further. It is unclear at this time whether efforts to mediate a ceasefire between the warring parties is possible.