Somaliland President Hosts Defecting Northeastern State Lawmakers for Peace Talks
The members declared their full readiness to participate in peace-building efforts, drive infrastructure and economic projects in their native regions, and help consolidate national unity.
HARGEISA, Somalia — The President of the breakaway region of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi "Cirro," hosted former lawmakers who recently defected from the North Eastern State administration based in Las Anod city, receiving them at the presidential palace in Hargeisa following their arrival in the capital.
According to an official press release issued by the spokesperson for the president, President Cirro warmly welcomed the former regional legislators and expressed deep gratitude for their strategic decision to return to Somaliland. The head of state commended their commitment to abandoning political division and actively participating in ongoing state-led initiatives aimed at peacemaking, local reconciliation, and the overall socio-economic development of their home constituencies.
The high-level bilateral meeting focused heavily on regional security dynamics, local governance, and long-term public stability across the Horn of Africa. During the discussions, President Cirro reiterated that his administration prioritizes inclusive political dialogue, sustainable security, and grassroots social cohesion as the foundational pillars of its national agenda.
"Somaliland is a shared nation and community bound by a common interest," President Cirro told the visiting politicians, as cited in the presidential release. He further highlighted that every citizen possesses an inherent right to experience a true sense of political inclusion, equal representation, and shared ownership of the nation's collective future.
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For their part, the defecting politicians expressed sincere appreciation to President Cirro for the warm executive reception and for granting them a direct platform to share their political perspectives and community concerns. The members declared their full readiness to participate in peace-building efforts, drive infrastructure and economic projects in their native regions, and help consolidate national unity.
The presidential meeting takes place against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the administration in Hargeisa to stabilize eastern territorial boundaries and foster reconciliation across disputed border regions. Since taking office following a decisive electoral victory, President Cirro has prioritized administrative outreach to peripheral districts, seeking to resolve long-standing political friction through dialogue rather than military force. Regional analysts view the defection of these prominent lawmakers as a notable diplomatic win for the government in Hargeisa, signaling shifting political realignments within the broader Horn of Africa landscape.
The executive session was attended by key government figures, including prominent members of Somaliland’s Cabinet of Ministers, the Chairman and Secretary of the Somaliland National Peace Committee, alongside several other senior state officials. The inclusion of top peace committee officials underscores the strategic priority the government places on integrating returning political factions into Somaliland's national security and governance framework. Authorities confirmed that further consultations between the government and representatives from the eastern territories will continue in the coming days.
Somaliland lost de facto control of Las Anod in August 2023 following an armed conflict with local SSC-Khaatumo forces [Now Northeastern State]. Protests in late 2022 and early 2023 escalated into intense fighting after Somaliland security forces cracked down on demonstrators.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.