MOGADISHU– Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on Somaliland authorities to cease the hostilities in the contested town of Lascanood.
Speaking at Mogadishu Stadium during celebrations to mark the independence day on Saturday, the President urged the Somaliland government to embrace dialogue in a bid to end the ongoing conflict which has sparked massive losses of property and human lives.
President Mohamud underscored the importance of coming together for the benefits of the innocent people who have been caught in the cross fire and have no where to flee.
“I call upon Somaliland government to give talks a priority and cease the ongoing hostilities that is continuing to claim lives of innocent people”. said the President.
H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined thousands of citizens at Mogadishu Stadium to mark Somalia's 63rd Independence Day, addressing key national issues: ? pic.twitter.com/3wjhMCGRLt
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) July 1, 2023
He also underlined the Federal government commitment to holding and convening talks with the self- declared autonomous region with a view to summonting the pressing issues and differences between Hargeisa and Mogadishu.
The President however lauded the people of Lascanood for hoisting the Somali flag in the town after dozens of years saying it is signalling to a better days of one Somali Nation.
“I hail the people of Lascanood for bravely raising the Somali flag that is a clear indicator of one country called Somalia in the future”. said President Mohamud.
Khawaarijta waxeedu waa gumeysi, dhaqaale kuuma ogola. Xorriyad kuuma ogola, in aad cibaadeysato kuuma ogola. Masaajiddii ayey duminayaan, culimadii dadka diinta bareysay ayey dilayaan. Waa nimanka shalay qaraxa ku burburiyey Masaajidkii Daaru-nicma. pic.twitter.com/eDaa2qp6B5
— Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (@HassanSMohamud) July 1, 2023
Somaliland military and the people of Lascanood have been locked in a heavy fighting since February this year with each side accusing the other of instigating human rights violation.
The conflict has resulted to huge loss of innocent lives and damaged property including key infrastructure like hospitals in the town.
The United Nations Security Council has also called sentiments of peace and dialogue and termination of the ongoing hostilities.