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LAS ANOD – The Supreme Council of Somali Scholars, headed by Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad, has launched intensive field efforts aimed at bridging divisions and bringing closer the views of conflicting parties in the Sool region. The initiative focuses primarily on the humanitarian dimension as an important gateway to building trust and creating suitable conditions for peace and dialogue efforts. Addressing the issue of prisoners and detainees in Las Anod and Hargeisa has been placed among the initiative’s top priorities as one of the most urgent outstanding humanitarian files requiring responsible solutions.
Following a high-level delegation visit to Las Anod, the Supreme Council of Somali Scholars explained that addressing humanitarian issues away from political disputes represents the most effective path toward creating a positive environment that supports reconciliation efforts. The Council noted that meetings held with local and administrative leaders reflected genuine willingness among different sides to engage in dialogue and peace efforts and work toward solutions that reduce the impact of the conflict on communities.
The religious delegation confirmed during its visit that it reviewed the conditions of detainees from Somaliland forces and listened directly to their demands and humanitarian circumstances. The Council stressed that the prisoners’ issue must be addressed from humanitarian and ethical perspectives before any other considerations. It expressed hope that these efforts would lead to practical arrangements resulting in the release of detainees and pave the way for stronger communication and continued mediation efforts.
The Council emphasized that releasing prisoners and detainees represents a key step in rebuilding confidence among the various parties, noting that addressing humanitarian concerns could create the foundation for broader dialogue addressing the roots of existing disagreements. It added that ending the suffering of prisoners and their families would send a positive message about the possibility of overcoming the consequences of previous clashes and seeking peaceful solutions.
The initiative comes amid continued political stagnation following the 2023 clashes between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khatumo forces in the Sool region, which resulted in significant security and humanitarian consequences for the area and its residents. Observers believe that the Council’s efforts could provide a new opportunity to revive stalled issues, particularly because religious and community leaders maintain broad channels of communication with different local groups.
The Supreme Council of Somali Scholars affirmed that its role at this stage is based on religious and national responsibility aimed at supporting peace and strengthening reconciliation among Somali communities. It stressed that genuine stability can only be achieved through respecting humanitarian rights, addressing the causes of disputes, and encouraging all sides to adopt dialogue as the primary means of resolving internal conflicts.
Analysts of Somali affairs believe that the involvement of religious and community institutions in reconciliation efforts can support official political initiatives, particularly in areas where social, political, and security dimensions overlap. They emphasize that success in releasing Sool prisoners could represent a first step toward wider measures, including maintaining calm, strengthening reconciliation, and opening more comprehensive negotiation channels.
Community efforts continue across Somalia to address humanitarian issues linked to conflicts and internal crises, with growing calls to prioritize dialogue and social justice over prolonged confrontation. Observers stress that initiatives placing human dignity and rights at the center can contribute to building more sustainable peace and strengthening trust between communities and institutions across the country.
The Sool region remains one of the most sensitive political and security issues in northern Somalia due to its connection with local administration, social balances, and longstanding political disputes. Since the 2023 clashes, humanitarian concerns, particularly the issue of prisoners and detainees, have remained among the main challenges affecting reconciliation and stability efforts. Experts believe that addressing these issues through trusted community and religious mediation can provide a practical pathway for rebuilding communication channels between the different parties, while successful efforts could pave the way for broader understandings that strengthen peace and stability in Sool and Somalia as a whole.
