(29-03-23) LasAnod – Elders from the SSC (Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn) regions have denied reaching any agreement with the elders from Mogadishu who recently arrived in Lascaanod, the capital of the Sool region. This statement comes in response to the news circulating on social media regarding an alleged agreement between the two groups.
Sultan Mustafe Aw-Seed, a prominent member of the SSC traditional leaders, has refuted these claims, calling the news “false.” He further clarified that there were no discussions held between him and the elders from the Hawiye, Digil, and Mirifle clans.
Sultan Mustafe Aw-Seed explained that the delegation from Mogadishu was warmly welcomed and assisted in reaching Lascaanod, with Garowe serving as a convenient stopover. The delegation’s decision to land in Garowe was simply due to it being the easiest route to Lascaanod.
During a farewell meeting for the Mogadishu elders at the PDRC headquarters, Sultan Mustafe Aw-Seed requested that Somaliland allow the delegation to hold talks with them. He emphasized that the delegation’s goal was to mediate between conflicting parties in the city.
Sultan Mustafa Awseed, who spoke for SSC elders, stated that traditional elders from Mogadishu have witnessed firsthand the issues affecting LasAnod and believe they should accept the proposed solutions from elders seeking resolution.
However, Somaliland’s cultural elders have expressed opposition to allowing the delegation from Mogadishu to proceed to Hargeisa. They argue that the delegation is not neutral, and there is no valid reason for them to come to Hargeisa.
Despite the denial of an agreement being reached, many remain hopeful that the elders can find common ground and work together to bring lasting peace to the region.
