Somaliland Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Laascaanood Prisoner Standoff

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HARGEISA: The Somaliland administration has called for dialogue to resolve the ongoing issue of detainees held in Laascaanood, as tensions persist in the region.
Speaking before parliament, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro said his government remains open to any solution that can lead to sustainable peace, emphasizing that dialogue is the only viable path to resolving the dispute.
He noted that Somaliland had previously proposed a number of confidence-building measures, including a prisoner exchange, the reopening of trade and civilian movement routes, and the creation of an environment conducive to negotiations. However, he said no formal response has yet been received from the SSC-Khatumo administration.
The Somaliland leadership also stated that residents of the Sool region share a common culture and history with other Somaliland communities, underscoring the need for a collective resolution to existing grievances.
At the same time, the administration expressed appreciation for traditional elders and peace committees involved in efforts to de-escalate tensions, calling for those initiatives to be strengthened.
Somaliland further warned against individuals or groups accused of fueling conflict, stating that legal action would be taken, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the region.