HARGEISA — Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), accompanied by the Vice President, recently organized a significant National Consultation Meeting focused on resolving the persistent, escalating conflict between the Awdal and Selel regions.
Prioritizing Traditional Mediation
The critical gathering included prominent national leaders representing the Guurti (House of Elders), the House of Representatives, the cabinet, and the National Peace Committee. The event formally began with expressions of deep sympathy to the victims of the recent regional violence, before shifting its immediate focus to understanding the fundamental issues driving the conflict and preventing further intensification.
Addressing the assembly, President Irro highlighted the absolute necessity of prioritizing peace, continuous dialogue, and conflict resolution methods consistent with Somaliland’s legal standards and long-standing traditional mediation practices. He firmly restated the government’s strict dedication to protecting all civilians and maintaining national stability, an approach that closely aligns with his recent public pledges to make national cohesion and internal peacebuilding a cornerstone of his presidency.
A Unified National Approach
During the summit, attendees strongly concurred on the necessity of establishing a unified national approach. They agreed on implementing comprehensive strategies to rapidly enhance localized peace initiatives, provide urgent humanitarian assistance, and proactively rebuild peaceful relations among the affected communities.
Representatives from both legislative bodies and the cabinet gave their complete, unified endorsement to the President’s peace proposal. The administration’s rapid, comprehensive response to the Awdal and Selel tensions demonstrates a heightened domestic security posture, particularly as Hargeisa simultaneously navigates broader geopolitical challenges and ongoing external disputes regarding its territorial integrity.
The critical discussions concluded with a renewed pledge from all participants to actively foster unity, social harmony, and a prompt peaceful settlement. This high-level undertaking underscores Somaliland’s distinct leadership approach to handling internal disputes through comprehensive dialogue. By engaging community elders alongside parliamentary and executive officials, the administration is promoting a highly collaborative method for resolving conflicts that reflects its historically proven strategy for sustaining internal peace.
