MOGADISHU—The Federal Government will not allow an administration in the republic to oppress or commit human right abuses on it’s citizens, Somalia Minister for Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Ahmed Maalim alias Fiqi, has said.
While expressing reservations on laying the blame on either sides of the warring factions, the minister said that the Federal Government is now focused on provision of humanitarian assistance to the victims of the four-month long conflict piting the people of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions
and the Somaliland administration. The SSC leaders are seeking independence from the Hargeisa administration, a bid that escalated to an armed conflict.
“The Federal Government will not allow an administration that is part of the Republic of Somalia to oppress or force the hand of a Somali Citizen,” Fiqi noted during interview with the East African newspaper.
He added: “The President has spoken about this matter, addressing both parties to resolve it peacefully. In my capacity as the Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, I have also spoken up against the clash in Las Anod including on February 7th, 2023, where I stated the government’s stance which is the responsibility to uphold the democratic principles of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the protection of their rights, properties and freedom.”
President Hassan Sheikh, he added: “welcomes the choices and wants of the people of Las Anod. We ask that this matter be resolved peacefully through dialogue and reconciliation.”
He further revealed that there are several government initiatives for a ceasefire without providing more information on the terms and the parties involved.
The ongoing conflict in Las Anod begun on December 26 following the assassination of a local opposition figure, Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi by unknown assailants. The incident sparked anti-government protests across the major towns and the city of Las Anod.
On Saturday, the 33-member Consultative Committee of the SSC-Khatumo announced that all communication with Somaliland has been ceased.
“All organizations operating in Somaliland have been stopped from coming to SSC-Khatumo areas and doing any work there,” the Committee declared during a media conference. SSC stands for Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions which are opposed to Somaliland rule.
