Continued violence will increase the potential for extremist groups to sow broader instability and further exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Press Statement
Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson
U.S. Department of State
March 30, 2023
The United States is increasingly concerned by the continuing violence in Las Anod and joins other international partners and neighbors in calling for de-escalation, adherence to the agreed ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and resumption of constructive dialogue towards peaceful resolution. Continued violence will increase the potential for extremist groups to sow broader instability and further exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
We call on Somaliland to pull back its security forces as a demonstration of its commitment to these principles. We call on the militias in Las Anod to refrain from any offensive actions against Somaliland forces. We support the Federal Government of Somalia’s constructive engagement and deployment of a clan elders’ delegation and welcome Somaliland President Bihi’s commitment to meet with the delegation in Hargeisa.
We also note with concern that Somaliland’s presidential elections have been delayed since November 2022, well beyond the timing set forth in Somaliland’s constitution. We call on the Somaliland authorities to set a clear timeline and complete the elections as soon as possible. The United States stands ready to use authorities under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict the issuance of visas to current or former Somali officials or other individuals who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Somalia, including in Somaliland.
About Vedant Patel
Principal Deputy Spokesperson
Vedant Patel serves as the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State. He previously served as an Assistant Press Secretary and Spokesperson for President Biden in The White House. Prior to this, he served as a spokesperson on the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Biden-Harris Transition. Patel also held communications positions on the Biden Campaign both in the primary and general election. Previously, Patel worked as Communications Director to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Communications Director to Congressman Mike Honda. Patel is a graduate of the University of California – Riverside and received an M.B.A. from the University of Florida. He is originally from San Jose, California.
