Friday March 10, 2023
Jigjiga (HOL)- The Somali Regional State in Ethiopia has denied involvement in the ongoing violence in the disputed town of Las Anod after being accused by the Somaliland government.
The Somaliland Council of Ministers, following their weekly meeting on Thursday, called for joint forces from several administrations, including the Somali region of Ethiopia, to leave the Sool region, particularly Las Anod town.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Somali region's government emphasized that it is not involved in the Las Anod conflict and condemned "Somaliland's irresponsibility accusations." The government also expressed its patience in the face of allegations and lawsuits from the Somaliland side.
According to the statement, Somaliland is seeking a political scapegoat to deflect attention from questions about the situation in the Sool region and pointing the finger at an enemy that does not exist.
The Somali Regional State in Ethiopia has called on the Somaliland administration to refrain from any actions or statements that could further alienate the people of both regions.
The ongoing conflict, which began on December 28, 2022, has displaced over 185,000 people, damaged hospitals, and hindered access to medical care for the wounded.
The conflict has claimed the lives of at least 80 people and injured 451 others, including medical personnel, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Human Rights and Protection Group and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).