Puntland denies striking a deal with Somaliland over Las Anod-based administration

GAROWE, Somalia - The federal state of Puntland has denied claims that it signed a deal with Somaliland over the Las Anod-based new administration, a state which was formed by the federal government in Mogadishu for political gains. 

Abdi Farah Juha, Puntland’s minister for interior, said the talks between Garowe and Hargeisa only focused on regional stability, counterterrorism, and trade cooperation, adding that there was no discussion about the internal affairs of the State established in Las Anod.

The joint communique released on Sunday, he said, put emphasis on peacebuilding and economic ties between the two neighbouring administrations. Both Puntland and Somaliland, however, had initially raised concerns over the creation of a new federal state.

“The statement reflects exactly what was discussed, nothing more,” Juha said. “Our talks centred on cooperation in security, countering terrorism, trade, and movement between our people. The issue of Las Anod or the so-called North Eastern Administration was never on the agenda.”

But the Somaliland administration had claimed that the talks also featured ways of preventing the creation of the Las Anod-based administration, signalling a new cooperation between the two sides, which had wrestled for the Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions.

When asked whether Puntland had dropped its historical territorial dispute with Somaliland, Juha said his government had chosen dialogue over confrontation — ending years of bloodbath in the northern part of Somalia.

“Are we supposed to live in a constant state of war?” he said. “We have chosen to live peacefully with Somaliland so that stability returns to the Sanaag region. Political issues can be addressed when the time is right.”

He described the talks as a constructive development for both sides and for Somalia more broadly, stressing that long-term peace and cooperation would benefit the entire Horn of Africa. “This is an important step for Puntland, Somaliland, and for the region as a whole. Peace and stability are what our people have long sought,” he added.

Further, the minister hinted at possible cooperation with the new administration, a move geared towards fighting violent extremist groups along the Al-Miskad mountains — with the operation now entering the final phase.

“We are fighting ISIS militants in Al-Miskad,” Juha said. “Cooperation between both administrations’ institutions on this front is essential.”

GAROWE ONLINE