Las Anod– The newly formed Northeast State administration has declared that the release of detained Somaliland military personnel is contingent upon reaching a formal peace agreement to end the conflict in the Sool region.
In an exclusive interview, the Speaker of the Northeast State Parliament, Dr. Adan Abdullahi, stated that a unilateral release of prisoners is not feasible without a comprehensive settlement to the hostilities that erupted in Las Anod.
“We are committed to a process of justice and accountability. A unilateral release is not on the table, as many of these detainees are implicated in serious crimes and could face trial for the atrocities committed against the people of Las Anod,” Dr. Adan said.
The Speaker clarified that his administration is prepared to release the prisoners if genuine dialogue leads to a peace deal. “Should Somaliland engage in good-faith negotiations and agree to a sustainable peace agreement, we are ready to reciprocate, including with the release of detainees. However, as long as the stance of seeking military conquest persists, a prisoner exchange is not a viable option,” he added.
Dr. Adan noted that the previous SSC-Khaatumo administration, a precursor to the current state government, had released 25 prisoners without receiving any tangible reciprocation from Somaliland. He expressed the Northeast State’s dissatisfaction with the prolonged three-year detention but placed the responsibility for the deadlock on Somaliland’s continued refusal to engage in direct talks.
These statements emerge amid reports of intensified diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government of Somalia. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is reportedly seeking the transfer of the Somaliland prisoners from the Northeast State to federal custody as a confidence-building measure.
This initiative follows a move earlier this year by Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, who successfully secured the handover of 25 Somaliland prisoners from the former local administration.
President Hassan Sheikh has recently renewed public calls for a mutual release of all prisoners held by both sides, describing it as a crucial step toward fostering lasting peace and reconciliation in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation, viewing confidence-building measures as potential precursors to broader political negotiations.
