Borama, Somaliland – The Traditional Council of the Gadabuursi clans has issued an official press statement responding to remarks made on February 14, 2026, by the Interior Minister of Somaliland regarding the security situation in the Awdal and Salal regions.
In the statement, the council asserted that the minister’s comments do not reflect the actual conditions on the ground. They emphasized that the conflict in the affected areas has not been resolved, noting that heavy fighting occurred in recent days, resulting in both human and material losses.
Allegations Against the Minister
The traditional elders accused the Interior Minister of misrepresenting the security situation and misleading the public and state institutions.
They also strongly condemned remarks allegedly made by the minister describing Gadabuursi traditional leaders as “warlords opposing peace,” calling the statement offensive and unfounded.
“The minister has forgotten that it was the traditional leaders who played a central role in restoring peace and stability,” the statement read.
Suspension of Cooperation
The council announced that it has temporarily suspended its cooperation with the Interior Minister, citing what it described as a departure from neutrality and statesmanship expected of a senior government official.
They said the decision was taken to defend the dignity and role of traditional leadership, which they described as essential to peacebuilding and community cohesion.
Call for Peace and Unity
Despite the dispute, the Gadabuursi Traditional Council reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and called on both the public and the Somaliland government to work collectively toward lasting peace in Awdal and Salal.
The council stressed the importance of preserving stability and strengthening cooperation to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.
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