Security delegation reportedly arrives in Las Anod as Somaliland claims U.S. opposes Somalia PM’s visit

A preliminary security delegation has reportedly arrived in Las Anod on Wednesday ahead of an anticipated visit by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, according to local media.

The reported team, said to be part of the Prime Minister’s security detail, is believed to be assessing the situation and making preparations for a larger delegation expected to follow in the coming days. That broader delegation is anticipated to include senior government officials and the Prime Minister himself, who is expected to hold talks with local authorities in SSC-Khaatumo.

However, there has been no official communication from the federal government or the Office of the Prime Minister confirming the presence of this initial team in Las Anod.

The Prime Minister’s planned visit has drawn attention, particularly due to its potential implications for relations between the federal government and the SSC-Khaatumo interim administration. The visit is expected to signal federal support for the local administration and to discuss key issues related to security and governance in the region.

Meanwhile, Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir, who is currently visiting the United States, claimed that Washington shares Hargeisa’s position opposing the trip. “The U.S. government agreed with us that Prime Minister Hamza cannot visit Las Anod,” Dahir told Somaliland-based media. He did not cite any specific U.S. official who allegedly made the statement.

The federal government of Somalia recognised SSC-Khaatumo as an interim regional administration in 2023 following the withdrawal of Somaliland forces from Las Anod after months of fighting. While the federal government has backed the interim setup, its full integration into the federal structure remains incomplete. Sporadic clashes and the unresolved issue of prisoners of war between the two sides continue to pose challenges in the region.