The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday appealed for the launch of an independent inquiry into violent clashes in Somaliland, reported The Africa News.
The clashes erupted between Somaliland forces and troops loyal to the Somali government in the town of Las Anod.
“I am concerned about reports that clashes are continuing today and have resulted in new casualties,” Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.
Somaliland announced its separation from Somalia in May 1991 but the country has not yet achieved international recognition. However, Somaliland has got an international appreciation for bringing stability and holding elections in the country.
The Las Anod town is claimed by Somaliland as well as Puntland, the semi-autonomous region which remains loyal to Somalia.
Türk said the deadly clashes come just a month after over 20,000 people were displaced by clashes in Las Anod. He warned that the deteriorating security condition in the region could contribute to further displacement in the future.
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi accused Somaliland’s enemy of plotting the killings.
The UN high commissioner for human rights appealed the concerned authorities to launch a credible and impartial investigation into the clashes to find out who is responsible and to hold them accountable in fair trials.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for the cessation of hostilities in Las Annod and said that the conflict needs a political solution.
He said resolving the dispute is crucial to achieving the unity of Somalia.
“Put down the weapons, cease the fire, start a dialogue,” Mohamud said.
The Somalian government also welcomed the decision of the people of Las Anod to support solidarity with Somalia.
At least 34 people lost their lives in the clashes in Somalia’s northern breakaway region of Somaliland, medics at a public hospital in the Laascaanood town have claimed.
