The Ministry of Justice of Somaliland has expressed serious concerns regarding the transfer of certain prisoners from the city of Laascaanood, which were previously held by the SSC-Khaatumo administration, to the Federal Government of Somalia.

In its press statement, Somaliland accused the Federal Government of Somalia of blatantly violating international law, particularly the Third Geneva Convention of 1949, which is specifically designed to protect the rights of prisoners of war.

The statement pointed out that Articles 12 and 118 of the Geneva Convention require that all prisoners of war be treated in accordance with legal procedures, regardless of their age, political status, or without any pressure or coercion.

Somaliland’s Minister of Justice, Yonis Ahmed Yonis, condemned the Federal Government’s actions, describing the transfer of prisoners as unlawful and stating that the prisoners were pressured into wearing the Somali flag instead of their own.

“The Somali government has unlawfully transferred the prisoners from Somaliland. It is forcing them to wear a flag that is not their own. This is an act against international laws that protect the rights of prisoners,” Minister Yonis stated.

Somaliland also emphasized that no negotiations had taken place between the two governments regarding the transfer of prisoners. However, Somaliland indicated its readiness to discuss the issue through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure that prisoners are transferred legally.

Somaliland called for the immediate transfer of the prisoners to international bodies that are responsible for prisoner welfare. Furthermore, the Ministry urged the international community and human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation of the prisoners transferred from Laascaanood and pressure the Somali government to cease the unlawful interference against Somaliland.