Somalia: International Partners Demand Bihi to End Laascaanood Conflict and Address Election Delays

On April 17, 2023, a group of 15 International Partners, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, held a joint call with H.E. the President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi. The call aimed to address concerns over the ongoing armed conflict in Laascaanood and the delayed elections in Somaliland, both of which are impacting the partners' engagement with the region.

The International Partners expressed serious concern about the continued violence in Laascaanood, which has now entered its tenth week. They urged all parties involved to prioritize the security and well-being of the population, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the separation of forces to agreed locations. The Partners stressed the importance of ensuring humanitarian access and delivering assistance to those in need.

Despite previous commitments to a ceasefire and dialogue by the main parties, the conflict continues. The Partners called for flexibility and compromise to allow for constructive dialogue and offered their support to identify paths toward sustainable peace, including facilitating dialogue. They also welcomed the efforts of local and regional actors to secure a ceasefire and initiate dialogue.

Furthermore, the Partners emphasized the importance of urgent progress on elections in Somaliland. They urged President Abdi to publish a roadmap for the elections and clarify the sequencing and timing of events to facilitate technical preparations. They stressed that tangible steps must be taken to ensure that elections can be held as soon as possible.

While the Partners appreciated President Abdi's assurances that he is willing to pursue peace and dialogue and allow unhindered humanitarian access to Laascaanood, they expressed disappointment that he did not commit to withdrawing Somaliland forces from the area. According to a source who spoke with Garowe Online, President Bihi refused to withdraw his forces from Las'Anod, citing that the SSC had not maintained the agreed-upon ceasefire.

The Partners remain hopeful that the President's commitments will be put into practice to achieve peace and stability in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE