Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has issued a strong call for peace in Erigavo, emphasizing the need to avoid further violence and preserve the long-standing stability that has defined the region for decades. His statement comes at a critical moment, as recent clashes threaten to unravel the fragile peace agreement that has held since the early 1990s.
Deni underscored that Erigavo is home to both Puntland and Somaliland communities, bound by historical ties and shared experiences. His plea was directed at the Somaliland authorities, urging them to re-examine the ongoing situation and work toward de-escalation. “This is not a good history, we want to heal from conflicts. The only enemy that Somalis have is Al-Shabaab and ISIS. We want to stop the clan and political wars,” Deni said.
His message received a cautious but positive response from Ahmed Abdi Muse, the Governor of Sanaag region, who reiterated the importance of maintaining peace under Somaliland’s governance. Muse emphasized that Erigavo’s diverse communities have coexisted under Somaliland’s flag for decades, and preserving this unity should be a priority.
The renewed tensions in Erigavo, a historically peaceful town, have raised concerns about a broader regional spillover of conflict. While the area has long been a symbol of intercommunal cooperation, recent clashes signal deeper political and territorial disputes that could escalate if left unchecked.
Deni’s appeal highlights the urgent need for dialogue and a return to the principles of peaceful coexistence that have sustained Erigavo for generations. But whether this call for peace will be heeded—or whether political rivalries and territorial disputes will push the region toward further instability—remains an open question.
