THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALILAND PROTESTS SOMALIA'S RECOGNITION OF CLAN MILITIA'S AUTHORITY OVER LAS-ANOD Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland – October 19, 2023 - The Government of the Republic of Somaliland strongly objects to Somalia's formal recognition of the Clan militia's authority over Las-Anod, Somaliland. The Government of Somaliland firmly asserts that neither Somalia nor the Clan militia have jurisdiction or claim over Las-Anod. Somalia's acceptance of the militia's declaration is a deliberate attack on Somaliland's statehood and territorial integrity within its 26 June 1960 borders. It is alarming and perilously threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa. Somaliland has maintained independence for over 32 years, establishing peace, security, and democratic governance within its boundaries. Additionally, it has significantly contributed to promoting peace and stability in the region. However, Somalia's recent action of hosting and recognizing anti-Somaliland militia leaders in Mogadishu grossly threatens regional peace and security, confirming Somalia's participation in fueling the fighting and instability in Las Anod from the start. The Government of Somaliland calls on Somalia to completely withdraw its support for the Clan militia. We also urge the international community to condemn this recognition, as it poses a threat to the overall stability of the region. We further call upon all parties involved to respect the internationally recognized boundaries of the Republic of Somaliland and engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve peace and security. The Government of the Republic of Somaliland remains committed to the pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Somaliland. We will continue our efforts towards the recognition of our sovereignty and the establishment of mutually beneficial relations with the international community.

Unwise and unlikely, but Pland and SSC have many things to settle. Once, that's settled, Pland needs to reimagine its political structure.

Now that reer SSC got the recognition they were seeking, what's next for Awdal? And Somaliland in general?

Amb. Abukar Osman deserves some credit for being one of the first members of the Somali Government to align with reer SSC.

That might be an old picture and Ethiopian leaders have in the past met Somali traditional elders, but was to reconcile communities.

Galbeedi, No reasonable Somali would be opposed to the development of Awdal. Abiy explicitly and implicitly said they want to take ownership (not invest) of a Red Sea port. That's getting out of the frying pan into the fire. When was this?

Somalia Rebuffs Ethiopia’s Bid to Gain Direct Access to Red Sea Port Bloomberg - Are you a robot? WWW.BLOOMBERG.COM

Our brothers in Awdal need something akin to this.

Former Turkish PM

Discourses – both actual and presumed – on water, access to the sea, and related topics floated in the recent times are numerous and excessive indeed. The affair has perplexed all concerned observers. In the event, the Government of Eritrea repeatedly reiterates that it will not, as ever, be drawn into such alleys and platforms. The GOE further urges all concerned not to be provoked by these events. Ministry of Information Asmara 16 October 2023 https://shabait.com/2023/10/16/press-release-93/

Galbeedi, Before getting into trade and political independence, how do reer Awdal attend to dislodge Hargeisa from their regions? I mean having physical control over their land?

Eritrea responds

Eritreans are alarmed.

Galbeedi, The wording could have been much better! Abiy is talking about annexation, not leasing ports. Reer Awdal need change and economic development. I think something like Garacad initiative might be a better option. It gives the community ownership and they don't have to worry about foreign intervention. It is also worth noting Abiy might run Ethiopia into the ground considering his endless wars.

Tell us then. The only thing I could think is that the movement needs arms. And this is the only exchange they can offer.

Galbeedi, Has the Awdal Movement gone rogue? Responding to Abiy's delusions this way will undermine the cause.