Puntland Accuses North Eastern State of Using Somaliland Prisoners for Financial Gain
Puntland has accused the North Eastern State administration of exploiting Somaliland prisoners held in Las Anod for political and financial purposes, while calling for transparent legal proceedings and improved medical care.
Mogadishu, Somali Report — Puntland has raised serious concerns over the treatment and continued detention of Somaliland security personnel held in Las Anod, accusing the North Eastern State administration of using the prisoners for political and financial purposes.
Puntland Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamud Ayid Dirir, alleged that the authorities are receiving substantial financial assistance for the prisoners and questioned how funds allocated for their food, medical care and other needs are being managed.
“The prisoners are a cash cow. They are being used as a source of income. The Red Cross pays nine dollars per prisoner per day,” Dirir said, claiming that the administration receives hundreds of thousands of dollars each month for the detainees, in addition to funding intended for medical treatment.
The minister argued that if the prisoners are being held because of alleged crimes committed during the Las Anod conflict, each detainee should face a transparent legal process based on specific charges and credible evidence.
“If the prisoners are to be prosecuted, they must be tried for the crimes they actually committed, and the truth must be made clear,” Dirir said, calling on the authorities to disclose the charges against individual detainees.
Dirir specifically referred to killings and alleged abuses reported during the fighting in and around Las Anod. He said allegations against individual prisoners should be investigated rather than allowing the detainees to remain in prolonged custody without a clearly defined legal process.
The Puntland minister also raised concerns over the health of some prisoners, particularly those suffering from injuries and other medical conditions. He urged the North Eastern State administration to conduct individual medical assessments and ensure that detainees receive appropriate treatment.
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The prisoners include hundreds of Somaliland security personnel captured during the Las Anod conflict in August 2023. The fighting culminated in Somaliland forces being pushed out of their Goojacadde military base after months of clashes in and around the city.
The conflict resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement, with large numbers of civilians forced to flee their homes. The North Eastern State administration subsequently took control of a number of Somaliland soldiers and senior military officers.
The fate of the prisoners has remained a sensitive issue in relations between the parties. The North Eastern State administration has previously maintained that their release or exchange could be achieved through a political and peace agreement.
The administration has also demanded that Somaliland abandon its territorial claim over the Sool region, a position that Somaliland has firmly rejected.
Puntland’s latest allegations add another layer to the dispute over the detainees, with the administration in Garowe calling for greater transparency over their legal status, the allegations against them and the resources allocated for their care.
The comments also highlight the broader political tensions surrounding Las Anod, where disagreements over territorial control, security and political authority continue to shape relations between Puntland, Somaliland and the emerging North Eastern State administration.
About the Author
Bashir Guhad is a reporter at Somali Report covering politics, security, business, and trade across the Somali region.