(28-04-23) GAROWE – President of Puntland State, Said Abdullahi Deni, has denounced the Federal Government of Somalia for its handling of the ongoing conflict in Lasanod, the capital of the Sool region. Deni accused the federal government of siding with Somaliland, whom he labelled as an aggressor in the conflict.
In a speech delivered in Garowe on Thursday evening, President Deni stated, “Somaliland is not ruling the SSC by force, let’s not waste time – we are still talking to you in a friendly manner – the Federal Government has lost its responsibility in Lasanood – it is giving Somaliland aggression.”
Deni also criticised President Hassan’s appointment of Abkarin Hussein Guled as the envoy for the Somaliland talks. He questioned the timing of the appointment, suggesting that it should have been made before the conflict escalated in Lasanod. Deni praised the people of SSC, emphasizing their Somali identity, and called for restraint from all parties.
The Puntland president firmly rejected the idea of SSC being governed by Somaliland, as the people of SSC have opposed President Muse Bihi Abdi’s administration. The Lasanod conflict has seen numerous clashes between Somaliland forces and local SSC forces since February, resulting in approximately 500 deaths and over a thousand injuries.
The ongoing conflict in Lasanod has raised concerns over the stability of the region and the ability of the Federal Government of Somalia to effectively address the situation. Deni’s strong condemnation of the government’s handling of the crisis shows the urgent need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions.
© Halqabsi News
