ERIGAVO, Somaliland – Somaliland inaugurated a Grand Peace Conference in Erigavo on Tuesday, a historic step toward national unity following last year’s conflicts. Sanaag Region Governor Ahmed Abdi Muse presided over the opening ceremony.
The conference delivers on a key promise by President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro. It brings together hundreds of delegates—from government officials to traditional elders—to heal divisions and foster dialogue after the December 2024 conflict displaced numerous citizens.
By leveraging previous successes like the El-Afweyn peace agreement, the event highlights Somaliland’s dedicated strategy for achieving stability. Governor Muse described the opening as “a moment of hope and renewal.”
The launch has been met with widespread local optimism, revitalizing the community spirit in Erigavo.
In a press statement released by the Somaliland interior ministry read as follows:-
Ministry of Interior and Security
Office of the Governor, Sanaag Region
Date: 23rd September 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Subject: Opening of the Grand Peace Conference in Erigavo
ERGAVO, SANNAG – The Office of the Governor for the Sanaag Region today announced the official commencement of the Grand Peace Conference in the historic city of Erigavo.
This conference fulfills a key pledge made by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), following his election in November 2024. Establishing peace and stability in the Sanaag region has been a central priority of his administration.
The initiative follows the conflict of December 2024, which resulted in the displacement of a number of Erigavo’s residents. In the subsequent months, the President has taken significant steps to create a conducive environment for peace. These measures include the demobilization of clan militias, their integration into the national armed forces, and the successful implementation of the El-Afweyn peace agreement, which has effectively ended nearly a decade of inter-clan conflict.
Today’s conference brings together the residents of Erigavo and delegates from across the nation, reaffirming the Somaliland government’s commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation. Participants include representatives from government ministries, members of parliament, traditional elders, and other distinguished dignitaries, all united in the common goal of achieving a lasting peace in Sanaag.
This conference not only reflects the President’s vision but also demonstrates the Somaliland government’s enduring commitment to the values of dialogue, unity, and mutual respect. It is our hope that this initiative will enable the people of Erigavo to turn a new page, rebuild trust, and work collaboratively toward a stable and prosperous future.
Ahmed Abdi Muse
Office of the Governor, Sanaag Region
Republic of Somaliland
