Hargeisa (WDN) — Somaliland has adopted a notably measured diplomatic posture following a visit to Las Anod by a United Nations delegation, acknowledging the mission while strongly implying that the visit was undertaken with the knowledge and approval of Somaliland authorities.

In a statement issued in English, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it remained committed to facilitating humanitarian assistance, but emphasized that visits of this nature should be conducted through established diplomatic channels and in coordination with Somaliland.

“We remain committed to facilitating humanitarian assistance. However, visits of this nature must follow established diplomatic protocols and be coordinated with the Somaliland authorities,” the ministry said.

The carefully worded statement appears to serve two purposes. On the one hand, Somaliland sought to avoid confrontation with the United Nations and reaffirm its willingness to facilitate humanitarian operations. On the other, its reference to established diplomatic procedures appears designed to signal that Hargeisa was aware of—and, by implication, had given the necessary clearance for—the UN delegation’s visit to Las Anod.

Although the statement does not explicitly say that Somaliland formally authorized the visit, its wording strongly suggests that Hargeisa considers itself an authority whose consent or coordination is required for international missions operating in the disputed area.

Diplomatic Message Behind the Statement

The distinction is politically significant. Las Anod is currently administered by the Northeast State, which is aligned with Somalia’s Federal Government and rejects Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty over Sool and surrounding territories. Somaliland, however, continues to regard the region as part of its territory.

By stressing coordination with Somaliland authorities, Hargeisa appears to be reinforcing its longstanding diplomatic position without directly challenging the UN delegation or obstructing humanitarian engagement.

The approach represents a relatively restrained response to an issue that could easily have triggered a sharper political confrontation.

Rather than accusing the United Nations of violating its territorial claims, Somaliland has chosen to emphasize diplomatic protocol and humanitarian cooperation. This allows Hargeisa to assert its position while maintaining working relations with international organizations.

Las Anod at the Center of Competing Claims

The UN visit comes amid an increasingly complicated political and humanitarian environment in Las Anod. Since Somaliland forces withdrew from the city following intense fighting in 2023, Las Anod has emerged as the political center of the North Eastern State, which has subsequently strengthened its relationship with Mogadishu.

The competing claims have turned the city into one of the most politically sensitive locations in the Horn of Africa.

For international organizations, the situation creates a delicate balancing act. Humanitarian agencies must maintain access to communities in need while navigating competing claims of authority from Somaliland, the Federal Government of Somalia and the North Eastern State administration.

Somaliland’s latest statement appears to recognize that reality while making clear that it expects international actors to maintain formal diplomatic engagement with Hargeisa.

Northeast State Yet to Respond

The Northeast State administration has not yet publicly responded to Somaliland’s statement or clarified its position regarding the UN delegation’s visit.

The absence of an immediate response leaves an important question unanswered: Was the UN mission coordinated solely with the authorities in Las Anod, or did Somaliland’s authorities formally provide the clearance they now appear to suggest?

For now, Somaliland’s diplomatic language is significant precisely because it stops short of making an explicit claim of authorization while nevertheless conveying that the mission was not entirely outside Hargeisa’s diplomatic framework.

The episode once again demonstrates the extraordinary complexity surrounding Las Anod, where humanitarian access, territorial claims and competing political authorities increasingly intersect.

For Somaliland, the message appears clear: humanitarian assistance should not be politicized, but international engagement in the disputed territory should also recognize Hargeisa’s claimed authority and diplomatic standing.

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