MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland has denounced Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to the town of Las Anod as a blatant provocation and an act of war, escalating tensions in the volatile Sool region where clashes between Somaliland forces and local militias have persisted.
In a sharply worded statement, Somaliland Presidency spokesman Hussein Dayr accused Mogadishu of violating its sovereignty, warning that the move risks emboldening militant groups like Al-Shabaab and destabilizing the wider Horn of Africa.
” The visit of Somalia’s Prime Minister to Las Anod constitutes an unmistakable provocation and an outright violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This reckless act is viewed as a declaration of war against Somaliland’s dejure State with internationally recognized borders. ” Dayr declared.
” Somalia’s calculated provocation seeks to undermine Somaliland’s decades-long commitment to peace, democracy, and stability in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland has consistently stood as a beacon of progress, resilience, and international cooperation despite persistent aggressions from Somalia.”
Barre’s high-profile visit—the first by a senior Somali official in over 30 years—was met with fervent crowds in Las Anod, a flashpoint town reclaimed by Dhulbahante clan militias in 2023 after fierce battles with Somaliland forces. Analysts view the trip as a direct challenge to both Somaliland and Puntland, which have long resisted Mogadishu’s authority.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized globally, warned that Somalia’s “calculated provocation” could trigger a humanitarian crisis and empower armed non-state actors. It called for urgent international efforts to prevent further escalation.
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