Press Release:
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland informs the international community and the people of Sool that it remains committed to the unconditional, unilateral ceasefire issued on February 10, 2023. The government reiterates that its military forces have been ordered to defend themselves and Cabinet ministers in the region from repeated attacks, and have not attacked civilians. It has become apparent that Somaliland’s attackers are not willing to recognize the ceasefire. Therefore, Somaliland National Army forces remain positioned outside the city of Laas-Anod.
The government of Somaliland believes that the situation in Laas-Anod is not a demonstration of ‘social grievances’, but rather a premeditated plan by those in Somalia seeking to destabilize Somaliland. This morning, armed forces from the Federal Government of Somalia began attacking Somaliland’s military forces. The government of Somaliland subsequently issued a warning to the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia, specifically the regional administration of Puntland which has dispatched a large number of armed personnel to the Tukaraq border, to stand down.
The government of Somaliland further calls on the international community to urge the Federal Government of Somalia and the regional administration of Puntland to withdraw their forces from Somaliland’s border, condemn the continued attacks on Somaliland’s citizens, government, and military, and demand their reciprocity in joining Somaliland in a mutual, unconditional ceasefire.