(08-06-23) LAS ANOD — The Supreme Council of the SSC-Khaatumo State, traditionally known as the Garaads, has publicly endorsed the recent statement by the UN Security Council on the escalating conflict in northern Somalia, particularly in the Sool region. Recognising the impact of the declaration, the Council hailed it as a “significant step forward in securing peace in northern Somalia.”
The Garaads’ endorsement comes in the wake of extensive unrest in Laascaanood, the principal town of the Sool region, which has suffered high civilian casualties and resulted in the displacement of over 150,000 people. This unrest has persisted since early February, primarily due to violent disputes between the self-declared state of Somaliland and the local Dhulbahante clan militia.
The Supreme Council interprets the UN’s engagement as validation of their ongoing campaign for the retreat of the Somaliland militia from SSC territories. The Council has consistently asserted that this is the keystone of establishing enduring peace in northern Somalia.
Moreover, the Council is calling for an intensified response from the UN Security Council, with a pressing demand for Somaliland’s immediate and strategic withdrawal of its forces to Oog. “We urge the members of the UN Security Council to take assertive actions to ensure that Somaliland withdraws its militias to Oog immediately,” says the Council, asking for a firm stance from the UN.
The Council also appeals to the Somaliland administration to fully comply with the UN Security Council’s directives, especially those pertaining to the withdrawal of their forces from SSC territories. They emphasise that the implementation of these instructions by Somaliland is critical to achieving peace in the region.
Furthermore, the SSC-Khaatumo State has pledged to assist in the peaceful withdrawal of Somaliland forces from SSC territories, underlining the crucial role of a non-violent approach in this process.
The Supreme Council’s commitment to the UN principles of humanitarian emergency assistance is clear in their pledge to cooperate with partners to facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid for the affected population. They also demand transparency from the Somaliland administration regarding the landmine situation in the Sool region.
The Supreme Council expressed its gratitude to the UN Security Council, emphasising their appreciation for the UN’s reaffirmation of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity. The Council’s statement underscores the importance of international support in maintaining Somalia’s unity and stability in the face of ongoing conflict.
