MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Authorities in the breakaway region of Somaliland have launched a peace summit in the town of Erigavo in northern Somalia’s Sanaag region, aiming to ease tensions between rival clans amid growing pressure from the newly established Northeastern State of Somalia.
More than 500 delegates from across Somaliland attended the summit, which began on Tuesday and seeks to promote peaceful cohabitation between the Isaaq and Harti clans. The summit follows recent clashes and political tensions in Erigavo, a town claimed by both Somaliland and the Northeastern State.
The Northeastern State, established by political leaders from the Harti clans with support from Somalia’s federal government, has vowed to assert control over parts of Somaliland, including the town of Erigavo. Somaliland does not recognise the new federal member state and opposes its claims.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Somaliland called for the summit after promising to engage with clans that oppose the administration. Harti clan leaders from Sool, who helped form the Northeastern State, which currently controls parts of Sool and Togdheer regions, did not attend the summit.
Their absence has raised concerns that the summit will not resolve the ongoing territorial dispute in Sanaag, where both sides have previously clashed. Key towns under dispute include Erigavo, Badhan, and other areas along the regional borders.
Somaliland and neighbouring Puntland recently signed a security cooperation agreement, citing mutual concerns over territorial claims by the Northeastern State. Both administrations have rejected the new state’s legitimacy and accused Mogadishu of destabilising the region.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognised. It continues to assert authority over parts of Sool and Sanaag regions, where local clans remain divided over allegiance.
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