Laascaanood (WDN)-The SSC-Khaatumo administration has announced that it is willing to release captured Somaliland troops still in its custody but only under specific conditions that signal a shift in Somaliland’s political stance.

Speaking at a press briefing, SSC-Khaatumo’s Minister of Information, Najiib Barkhadle Warsame, confirmed that detainees from the recent Goojacade conflict fall into two distinct categories: regular enlisted soldiers and senior officers who led the military campaign.

While the minister indicated that most rank-and-file soldiers will be released in the near future, he emphasized that their release is contingent upon public renunciation by Somaliland’s new leadership of the former administration’s guiding ideology.

“The Somaliland prisoners are in two groups—soldiers and their commanding officers. We are prepared to release the soldiers if their leaders clearly state they have abandoned the ideological principles of the previous administration,” said Minister Barkhadle.

However, the minister clarified that senior officers accused of commanding the fighting and spreading hostile narratives would face legal proceedings before any consideration of release.

“Those who led the fighting and orchestrated propaganda efforts will be brought before a court of law,” Barkhadle added.

The announcement comes amid growing pressure on both sides to de-escalate tensions and seek negotiated political solutions following months of armed conflict in the contested Sool region.

The SSC-Khaatumo administration, which asserts autonomy from both Somaliland and Puntland, has called for renewed dialogue but insists that meaningful gestures—such as ideological disavowals and accountability—must precede reconciliation efforts.

As of now, Somaliland authorities have not publicly responded to the conditions set forth by SSC-Khaatumo.

WardheerNews