Hargeisa (WDN) —Somaliland has officially issued statement on the escalating tensions in the Sanaag region between Puntland and SSC-Khatumo, amid growing suspicions of federal government involvement.

At a press conference held in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle, accused the Somali Federal Government—specifically President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—of inciting unrest and interfering in areas administered by Somaliland, namely eastern Sanaag.

“We called this press briefing to address the provocation, tension, and incitement to conflict being orchestrated by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh in parts of eastern Somaliland,” said Minister Ayaanle. “It’s deeply regrettable that a man entrusted with national leadership has not only failed to secure his own country—where Al-Shabaab knocks on his doorstep and seizes districts—but also blindly deploys troops to our eastern towns, pitting brother against brother.”

The minister pointed to recent events, including the takeover of Moqokori town by Al-Shabaab militants, as evidence of President Hassan’s failure to stabilize the country. He questioned the logic of sending troops to Sanaag while Al-Shabaab captures territory elsewhere.

“How can someone who can’t stabilize Mogadishu and just lost Moqokori to Al-Shabaab say he’s sending troops to Sanaag?” Ayaanle asked. “Whatever consequences arise from this, President Hassan must bear full responsibility. No one else will. He needs to withdraw from matters that are none of his business.”

Turning to the ongoing conflict in Ceerigaabo and the broader Sanaag region, the minister stated that Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro,” is fully committed to peaceful dialogue and has prepared a reconciliation platform in Ceerigaabo. He insisted that local residents are ready for talks but emphasized that President Hassan Sheikh has no role to play in the matter.

“President Hassan, you’re an educated man—step back and leave Somaliland to handle its own affairs,” Ayaanle said. “Recognition is within reach, and the process is already underway. This is no time for sabotage. We’ve advanced to the stage where the U.S. Congress is actively debating Somaliland’s recognition.”

The statement highlights Somaliland’s growing frustration over what it perceives as deliberate interference by Mogadishu in its internal matters, particularly in strategically significant regions like Sanaag. It also underscores Hargeisa’s confidence in its pursuit of international recognition and its rejection of federal meddling.

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