Historic Visit by Somali Prime Minister to Lasanod In an unprecedented move, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived today in Lasanod, the capital of Sool region in northern Somalia, becoming the first high-ranking federal official to visit the city, which has long been a hotspot for regional tensions. During his visit, Barre met with local leaders and community representatives, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to enhancing security and supporting development projects in the area. The visit comes after years of disputes between the federal government and the self-declared breakaway region of Somaliland, which expressed concern that this step may be an attempt to undermine its influence. In 2023, Lasanod witnessed violent protests that left many dead and displaced thousands, due to clashes between supporters of the federal government and those aligned with the separatist administration—turning the city into a symbol of political challenges in the Sool region. The Somali National News Agency described the visit as having "significant symbolic and political implications," highlighting its aim to restore trust between the central government and the regions. Many residents of Lasanod welcomed the visit, seeing it as a step toward national unity, while others warned it could exacerbate tensions if not followed by concrete actions. If the visit succeeds in building bridges with local communities, the region could witness relative stability and renewed dialogue. However, the success of the visit—which sends a clear message of marginalization to the Somaliland administration—ultimately depends on practical efforts to advance reconciliation and development in the coming months. https://x.com/khaledmahmoued1/status/1911001360520139120