Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) strongly opposed the formation of the SSC-Khaatumo administration in Las Anod.
Abdirahman Irro criticized the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to establish a regional authority in the Sool and Sanaag regions.
He said Somaliland would not accept any administration being built in eastern Sool, calling it a direct challenge to Somaliland’s authority.
Irro linked the issue to ongoing talks, saying Somaliland will not engage in dialogue while Somalia builds parallel administrations.
“We cannot negotiate while Somalia forms another administration inside our territory,” he stated.
His comments come as Somalia shows renewed interest in resuming stalled talks with Somaliland.
Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, emphasized resolving internal issues, including Somaliland, through domestic strategy.
“That region is part of Somalia, and we must resolve our own internal problems,” said Minister Balcad.
He said the government welcomes support from any party willing to assist in dialogue.
“If others want to help with talks, we welcome that,” he added.
Tensions have escalated since Somaliland signed a controversial port access deal with Ethiopia earlier this year.
Somaliland claims the deal could bring international recognition in exchange for granting Ethiopia sea access via its territory.
