Somalia's President Mohamud visits provincial capital claimed by Somaliland
On Fri, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Las Anod, marking the first visit by a head of state to this region in over four decades. This visit is significant due to the ongoing tensions between Mogadishu and the self-declared independent region of…
On Fri, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Las Anod, marking the first visit by a head of state to this region in over four decades. This visit is significant due to the ongoing tensions between Mogadishu and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, which claims Las Anod as its provincial capital.
In 2007, Somaliland took control of Las Anod but had to withdraw in 2023 following violent confrontations with Somali forces and militias supporting Mogadishu.
During his address in Las Anod, President Mohamud announced, "Today I state that North Eastern Administration is formally recognised as an official federal member state of the Federal Republic of Somalia." This region includes Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, territories that Somaliland asserts are part of its borders.
On Fri, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Las Anod, marking the first visit by a head of state to this region in over four decades.
Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, the newly-elected leader of Northeast State, expressed solidarity with President Mohamud, stating, "We tell the President that we are standing with him in defending and protecting the unity and solidarity of Somali communities and their territories."
This diplomatic initiative follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland, which has faced strong opposition from Mogadishu and the international community.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
