MOGADISHU, Somalia – The workplace of Somalia’s Prime Minister has confirmed that 25 prisoners, who had been captured in the course of the battle between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo fighters on August 25, 2023, might be exchanged.
The Federal Authorities of Somalia will oversee and facilitate the trade course of, which is anticipated to happen within the coming weeks.
The prisoners had been taken throughout intense combating within the disputed area of Sool, the place each Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo forces have clashed in current months. The trade marks a big step towards de-escalating tensions between the 2 sides and displays ongoing efforts by the Somali authorities to mediate peace within the space.
“It is a constructive growth, and we’re dedicated to facilitating a peaceable decision to the continuing battle,” a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s workplace stated in an announcement. “The Federal Authorities will make sure that the method is carried out easily and that either side adhere to worldwide requirements of prisoner trade.”
The announcement comes as each Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo have been engaged in a bitter territorial dispute, with SSC-Khaatumo declaring its autonomy and in search of recognition as a federal state inside Somalia. Whereas the area stays risky, the prisoner trade is seen as a uncommon second of cooperation amid the broader tensions within the area.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the choice, calling it an vital step in addressing the humanitarian impression of the battle. “This trade is a vital alternative to indicate that dialogue and negotiation can result in concrete actions, even within the midst of such a tense and complicated battle,” stated a consultant from the Worldwide Disaster Group.
Regardless of this progress, each Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo stay entrenched of their positions, and the broader political and territorial points that gasoline the battle stay unresolved. Nonetheless, the profitable trade of prisoners might pave the way in which for additional negotiations and potential peace talks sooner or later.
