Friday June 2, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Jubbaland's regional administration President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, convened a meeting with traditional elders from Sool, Sanaag, and Eyn regions in Mogadishu on Thursday.
The intent of this gathering was to brainstorm viable resolutions to the persistent conflict in Las Anod, characterized by prolonged skirmishes between the SCC-Khatumo forces and the Somaliland army.
During these talks, the elders underscored the pressing need for the Somaliland army's withdrawal from the Sool region. Despite their insistence, the Somaliland government has demonstrated hesitation to undertake such action. However, the elders assert that this retreat is crucial for resolving the ongoing dispute.
The elders have also independently met with Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, primarily to discuss potential paths toward peace.
Insiders suggest that the key purpose of the elders' visit to the capital is to debate the fair division and allocation of international aid to the regions affected by the conflict. Reports indicate that the federal government is contemplating directly transferring aid to the SCC committee, which represents the SCC-Khatumo regions.
Since February 6th, the town of Las Anod has been swept up in a violent conflict between the self-declared state of Somaliland and local militias associated with the Dhulbahante clan in northern Somalia. The situation is dire: local hospitals in Las Anod report a death toll of 299 and over 1,913 injuries. Furthermore, the conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than 200,000 people.