(27-03-23) LasAnod – Traditional elders from southern Somalia have ventured to the Sool region, particularly the conflict-stricken areas of Laascaanood, where the Somaliland army and local SSC residents are engaged in hostilities. The aim is to evaluate the situation between the two factions and gain an accurate understanding of the current circumstances.
Joined by SSC representatives, the traditional elders will assess the damage to public services in Laascaanood caused by Somaliland and converse with the city’s intellectuals to gather their insights.
Initially, the plan involved elders from the Hawiye, Digil, and Mirifle clans departing from Mogadishu to meet with Somaliland’s administration leaders. However, this plan seems to have fallen through.
Somaliland is opposed to this mediation effort, viewing it as potentially causing political harm and a security setback if a resolution to the Lascaanood conflict is reached. The objection stems from the elders’ origins in Somalia, which Hargeisa claims to have severed ties with in the past.
