Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made a historic visit to Las Anod, a provincial capital claimed by the breakaway region of Somaliland, marking the first time in more than 40 years that a sitting Somali head of state has visited the contested city. The trip highlights escalating diplomatic tensions between Mogadishu and Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognised by most countries and international bodies.
Las Anod, located in the Sool region, has been a flashpoint in the long-running territorial dispute. Somaliland forces controlled the city from 2007 until 2023, when they withdrew following deadly clashes with Somali government troops and allied militias. During his address in the city, President Mohamud formally recognised the North Eastern Administration which includes Sool, Sanaag and Cayn as an official federal member state of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The administration’s recognition reinforces Mogadishu’s claim to the territory and represents a symbolic push for national unity amid competing sovereignty claims.
The visit also took place against the backdrop of Israel’s controversial recognition of Somaliland’s independence, a move strongly opposed by Somalia and rejected by international organisations including the African Union. President Mohamud has repeatedly stressed that Somalia’s territorial unity is non-negotiable and has called for dialogue with Somaliland leadership to address disputes.
