By Sayyid Omar

The SSC-Khaatumo administration has strongly condemned a statement issued by Somaliland on March 28, 2025, in which it called on the Government of Kenya to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state, separate from the Federal Republic of Somalia.

In a press release, SSC-Khaatumo accused Somaliland of deliberately misrepresenting facts and spreading a false narrative to conceal serious crimes committed by its forces in SSC territories, particularly in the city of Las Anod.

The statement asserts that for eight months, Somaliland forces carried out a brutal bombing campaign on Las Anod, targeting civilian neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, water wells, and the city’s electricity supply.

According to the statement, the conflict led to the displacement of over 250,000 people, the destruction of vital public services, deaths, injuries, and widespread human rights violations committed by Somaliland forces against local residents.

“These attacks were a calculated effort by Somaliland to intimidate the people of SSC-Khaatumo into accepting secession. However, the people of SSC have consistently and unequivocally rejected any separation from the rest of Somalia,” the statement reads.

SSC-Khaatumo directly urged the Government of Kenya not to support Somaliland’s secessionist ambitions, describing them as a violation of the principles and legal frameworks of the African Union.

“Kenya is a key player that supports the unity of the African continent. Supporting Somaliland’s breakaway undermines its leadership role,” the statement added.

The press release concluded by reaffirming SSC-Khaatumo’s commitment to resisting Somaliland’s quest for international recognition. The growing tension between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo remains unresolved, as SSC-Khaatumo continues to operate under the federal system of Somalia, while Somaliland persists in its campaign for international recognition.