Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Maalim, stated that the SSC-Khatumo administration handed over 25 prisoners to the Federal Government without any preconditions, urging Somaliland authorities to take a similar step by releasing detainees held in Hargeisa.

In an interview with state media, the minister explained that the prisoners had been captured during clashes between SSC-Khatumo and Somaliland, noting that they were selected based on their significance and roles during the conflict.

Maalim added that the Federal Government had also assessed the conditions of other detainees still in custody, confirming that they were being treated well and their basic rights were respected. “They told us that the only thing missing is their freedom,” he said.

The minister also indicated that the released prisoners expressed a desire to end the conflict through peaceful means, describing the violence as an unfortunate episode between closely connected communities.

The 25 prisoners have been transported to the capital, Mogadishu, where they are being temporarily housed ahead of their reunification with their families.