Las’anod evictees were a security threat, Somaliland says amid criticism

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HARGEISA: Those evicted from Las’anod posed a security threat to our territory, Somaliland had said urging the Federal Government to keep off its affairs.
The breakaway region said Tuesday its decision was based on intelligence and complaints from members of the public which indicated the targeted individuals’ continued stay was a security risk.
The decision to evict them, Somaliland said was informed by ‘issues pertaining to security, including appeals from the local communities and authorities in Las Anod district. It also said that Intelligence reports and consultations indicated that the selected individuals were putting the safety of the local population at risk. It however noted the evictions were carried out in a manner that did not infringe on their rights and without damage or loss of property or personhood.
Prime Minister Mohamed Roble lambasted the evictions as ‘shameful, ugly and dishonouring’ attracting the ire of Somaliland which termed the remarks an infringement of internal affairs.

Somaliland also said it did not ‘take lightly’ Mogadishu’s response to the evictions noting it was an indicator that Somalia could not be counted as a trusted international partner on peace and stability in the region.
The UN said Tuesday it was aware that more evictions by the Somaliland government in Las’anod were underway and urged for respect to human rights.