Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in the northern city of Las Anod on Friday, marking first presidential visit in nearly four decades.
President Mohamud and his delegation received a formal welcome from federal and regional officials, traditional elders and security leaders at Las Anod airport, authorities said officials.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, cabinet ministers and pro-government politicians also visited Las Anod ahead of Mohamud’s arrival on Friday.
President Mohamud is attending inauguration of North Eastern administration leader Abdulkadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, officials said during ceremonies held in Las Anod.
Security was tightened across Las Anod, with curfews imposed and movements suspended for 48 hours ahead of the inauguration ceremonies by authorities.
Senior federal officials including ministers, police chief, intelligence director, lawmakers and former leaders are currently present in Las Anod for high-level meetings.
Visit comes amid tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Somaliland following Israel’s recent recognition of the breakaway region based in Hargeisa.
