HARGEYSA (KAAB TV) — The Government of Somaliland has expressed deep concern over the recent outbreak of hostilities in and around the town of Goof, situated in the southeastern part of the Sanaag region.
The violence in Goof town, approximately 80 kilometers from Erigavo city, erupted on Tuesday after gunmen killed five herders in a small village near Goof. The attack sparked further unrest, leading to a revenge attack in Erigavo city on Wednesday, further escalating tensions in the region.
In an official statement released today, the government blamed the escalation of violence on militia groups allegedly aiming to destabilize the region ahead of Somaliland’s upcoming elections in November.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland categorically condemns these aggressions by anti-Somaliland militia forces,” the statement declared. “We call upon the international community to take immediate notice of this attack, which poses a grave threat to regional peace and security.”
The press release indicated that these hostilities are believed to be orchestrated by Ahmed Karaash, a former vice president of the Puntland administration.
The statement highlighted the serious threat posed by these actions not only to Somaliland’s peace but also to the broader Horn of Africa region.
The Sanaag region, which is divided into areas controlled by both Somaliland and Puntland, has become increasingly volatile.
The situation has been exacerbated by recent announcements from Warsangali/Daarood clans, primarily those in the diaspora, who declared the formation of a new federal member state called Maakhir during a conference held in Mogadishu.
Somaliland has accused the Somali Federal Government and Puntland of orchestrating the unrest in the region.
However, neither Puntland nor the Somali government has commented on the matter yet.