Monday May 22, 2023
Hargeisa (HOL) - The Chairman of Somaliland's UCID party, Feisal Ali Warabe, has called on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to replace his Special Presidential Envoy for Somaliland talks, Abdikarim Hussein Guled.
Faisal Ali Warabe expressed his anger on Saturday at the recent speech made by the envoy regarding the contested town of Las Anod, where fighting between the Somaliland army and SCC-Khatumo forces has been ongoing for four consecutive months. The envoy called on both sides to create distance between their troops in Las Anod.
"We will not come near him. Hassan Sheikh should replace him, and today I sent him a video saying that he is a liar," said Faisal Ali Warabe.
Just a week ago, the Chairman of Somaliland's Ucid party welcomed the new envoy, suggesting that he should work to restore the ineffective agreements between Somaliland and Somalia. However, the chairman, previously part of the long-term talks, now believes Somaliland should take their time with another negotiation with the federal government.
Since February 6, 2023, the town of Las Anod has become the epicentre of fierce clashes between the forces of the breakaway region of Somaliland and local militias from the Dhulbahante clan.
The persistent unrest casts a long shadow over potential peace talks between Somalia and Somaliland. The Somaliland administration contends that both Puntland and the federal government are jointly fueling the war, a claim that further complicates the prospect of dialogue.
However, the federal government and its Member State, Puntland, have refused to be involved in the conflict in Las Anod town but have called on Somaliland to respect the desires of the people of Las Anod.