Hargeisa, April 16, 2025 – In a move that signals the end of a decades-long diplomatic balancing act, the Republic of Somaliland has formally withdrawn from dialogue with Somalia, following what it describes as a “flagrant provocation” by the Prime Minister of Somalia, who visited the city of Las Anod on April 12, 2025.
The Somaliland Council of Ministers, in an emergency session convened today, issued a communique condemning the visit as an “unlawful breach of international norms and an incitement to conflict.” Las Anod, a city within the internationally recognized borders of Somaliland, has been a flashpoint in recent years amid renewed tribal and political tensions. The visit by Somalia’s top executive was deemed a direct affront to Somaliland’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty.
“This act of political incitement puts the stability of the Horn of Africa at grave risk and constitutes a calculated attempt to derail the peace and sovereignty efforts of the Republic of Somaliland,” the communiqué declared.
This statement from Somaliland’s executive branch follows similar warnings issued by the Somaliland House of Representatives on April 12, 2025, in which they called the visit “provocative” and urged the government to immediately end all engagement with Somalia. That position was the culmination of long-standing frustrations, as detailed in a January 2023 statement where Somaliland first announced it was reconsidering the viability of further dialogue with Mogadishu, citing repeated violations of trust and principle.
A Point of No Return
The communiqué made clear that Somalia has “completely deviated from the path of peace and dialogue” and that Somaliland “sees no current or future justification to continue any talks” under the current circumstances. This includes rejecting any claims of prisoner negotiations initiated by Mogadishu following the Prime Minister’s publicized transfer of captives to Somalia’s capital.
The Somaliland government emphasized that no bilateral agreement had been reached concerning the prisoners, who they assert were “not prisoners of war,” and that Somalia’s portrayal of the event was politically motivated theater meant to mask its internal failures.
In contrast, Somaliland affirmed that it has maintained transparent channels with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, for any humanitarian prisoner exchanges. This move reinforces Somaliland’s position as a responsible state actor adhering to international norms.
Appeal to the International Community
Somaliland’s government issued a strong appeal to the international community to condemn Somalia’s interference in the eastern Sool region and to support Somaliland’s ongoing efforts for peace. The communiqué warned that Somalia’s actions, including the militarization of the Las Anod issue, are destabilizing the Horn of Africa and opening a gateway for extremist groups to exploit the unrest.
“Somalia’s deliberate aggression endangers regional security and peace,” the government warned, “and provides oxygen to terrorist factions looking to destabilize the region.”
Closing the Chapter on Dialogue
Effective immediately, the Somaliland government has declared the suspension of all negotiations with Somalia, stating that continued dialogue has become untenable in the face of repeated violations and disrespect for Somaliland’s sovereignty.
“The Republic of Somaliland is irrevocably committed to defending its statehood,” the communiqué concludes, “and shall not enter into any negotiations that undermine its independence.”
This latest development marks a significant turning point. After over 30 years of unrecognized but functional self-governance, Somaliland now appears more determined than ever to chart its course without the burden of futile talks with a federal government it deems both hostile and disingenuous.
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