(01-07-23) KISMAYO – President of Jubbaland State, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), has spoken out about the ongoing conflict in the town of Lasanod, criticising Somaliland’s leader, President Muse Bihi Abdi, in the process. His comments were made during a public address at the July 1st event in Kismayo on Saturday.
The escalating violence in Lasanod was lamented by President Madobe who expressed regret that the town has become the battleground for a war he deems unnecessary. He highlighted the contradiction between the current bloodshed and the past peace victories achieved by the elders of Hargeisa.
Speaking on the matter of unity, President Madobe said, “When I talk about the issue of unity, I want you to add a few points and talk about the wars that are going on in Lasanod. It is not a war that was necessary that today so much blood should be shed by the elders of Hargeisa, who raised the Somali flag victoriously yesterday. If they knew of the current situation, they would come out of the grave.”
In his address, he also aimed pointed remarks at President Muse Bihi Abdi, criticising the Somaliland leader for his role in the current crisis. He implied that President Abdi is guilty of betraying his principles, stating, “I want to say to my friend Muse Bihi, what you rejected yesterday, don’t try to do it today.”
President Madobe went on to underscore that a militaristic approach will not bring about peace. Advocating for dialogue, he said, “Therefore, I want to say that everything can be resolved through negotiation, that shooting will not be the solution.”
His comments come as the conflict in Lasanod shows no signs of abating, with fresh reports of artillery attacks in the city last night. It is clear that the urgent resolution of this conflict is of paramount importance for all involved, and that the call for dialogue and peace negotiations is growing stronger.
