MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Saturday that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to the town of Lasanod was aimed at de-escalating tensions between Somaliland and local Khatumo authorities—not fueling further conflict.
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Mohamud emphasized that Barre’s mission was to create conditions for dialogue and a possible prisoner exchange between the two sides. However, his remarks drew fierce condemnation from Dhulbahante clan elders, whose fighters drove Somaliland forces out of much of Sool region in 2023 after months of deadly clashes.
Mukhtar Garad Ali Burale, a prominent traditional leader in Lasanod, accused the president of undermining his own prime minister, calling the statement a “stab in the back.” Khatumo officials have long alleged that Mohamud favors Somaliland’s breakaway government over unionist forces in Lasanod who are seeking to remain part of Somalia.
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