The US diplomatic mission in Somalia demanded an immediate unconditional ceasefire Thursday in Somaliland’s town of Las Anod.
The remarks came after a delegation from the mission, led by Chargé d’Affaires Tim Trenkle arrived in the Somaliland capital of Hargeisa and held a series of political and civil society discussions.
The delegation met Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi and discussed violence in Las Anod.
“Frank discussions this morning with Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi about the tragic loss of lives and violence in Las Anod. The United States joins the international community in calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire & unhindered humanitarian access,” said the US Embassy in Somalia.
A wonderful opportunity to meet so many members of the @YALINetwork & alumni of the @YALIRLCEA in #Hargeisa who are leaders effecting positive change in their communities. #YALI #Somliland @ECAatState @USAIDSomalia pic.twitter.com/mzHVMxDJeQ
— U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (@US2SOMALIA) February 23, 2023
The Somaliland presidency said the Somaliland president and Trenkle discussed Somaliland-US engagement, violence in Las Anod, and regional security.
“They also discussed resuming Somaliland-Somalia negotiations,” it added.
A @US2SOMALIA delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Tim Trenkle arrived to #Hargeisa this morning for a series of political and civil society discussions. pic.twitter.com/Jdt2dbZF38
— U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (@US2SOMALIA) February 23, 2023
Las Anod, the provincial capital of the Sool region in Somaliland, has seen fierce fighting between Somaliland forces on one side and clan militias, and terrorist groups on the other that have been ongoing for the past three weeks. The violence has killed more than 100 people from both sides.
Terrorist groups Al Shabaab, and ISIS among others have infiltrated themselves into Las Anod and exploited the security vulnerability of the city. Somaliland security forces responded to the attacks of these groups in Las Anod.
Dear @TimTrenkle, thanks for visiting #Somaliland and meeting with President Bihi. Diaspora Somalilanders are concerned about brainwashing activities and active efforts to recruit young diaspora Somalians to fight against the #Somaliland army. There are diaspora fighters now. pic.twitter.com/IKGpg9pt29
— Robleh Mohamud (@RM_Laf) February 23, 2023
To implement the peace initiative, Somaliland authorities announced a ceasefire on February 10, but days later accused Somalia of attacking its forces. The government also sent a peace mission consisting of cultural leaders to Las Anod.
“All we want is to restore peace, stability, and peaceful dialogue in the Las Anod conflict. Our security forces will do everything to protect the people in Las Anod, facilitate humanitarian (aid) for the displaced people, and work with them to return to their homes peacefully,” Somaliland president Muse Bihi said recently.
The government says there is fear for the terrorist group to expand, threatening to regional peace and security. Somaliland is arguing Las Anod not be a safe passage for terrorist groups as the area is volatile.
Somaliland is a former British protectorate that restored its independence in 1991 after failed union with former Italian Somalia in 1960 but has received no international recognition.
Somaliland, located very strategic place in the Gulf of Aden – Red Sea, has been peaceful for decades and has contributed to regional peace and security.
Read the full Remarks By Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield On The Visit To Mogadishu, Somalia
February 23, 2023
On February 23, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu led by Chargé d’Affaires Tim Trenkle visited Hargeisa to meet with Somaliland government officials, civil society representatives, and youth leaders to discuss security, prosperity, and democracy in the region.
The delegation was received by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi. The Chargé d’Affaires reiterated the United States and international community’s call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Las Anod and condemned the tragic loss of life and violence. They also discussed efforts toward a consensus-based electoral process and the timely conduct of elections.
The delegation also met with diverse political, civil society, and youth leaders on shared priorities, including democratic participation and inclusion. Members of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network and alumni of the YALI Regional Leadership Center shared how the initiative contributes to youth and community development in Somaliland.
