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Instability and
Democratic Backsliding in
Somaliland
PRESS STATEMENT

VEDANT PATEL, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY

SPOKESPERSON

MARCH 30, 2023

The United States is increasingly concerned by the

continuing violence in Lascanood and joins other
international partners and neighbors in calling for de-
escalation, adherence to the agreed ceasefire,
unhindered humanitarian access, and resumption of
constructive dialogue towards peaceful resolution.
Continued violence will increase the potential for
extremist groups to sow broader instability and
further exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

We call on Somaliland to pull back its security forces

as a demonstration of its commitment to these
principles. We call on the militias in Lascanood to
refrain from any offensive actions against Somaliland
forces. We support the Federal Government of
Somalia’s constructive engagement and deployment
of a clan elders’ delegation and welcome Somaliland
President Bihi’s commitment to meet with the
delegation in Hargeisa.

We also note with concern that Somaliland’s

presidential elections have been delayed since
November 2022, well beyond the timing set forth in
Somaliland’s constitution. We call on the Somaliland
authorities to set a clear timeline and complete the
elections as soon as possible. The United States
stands ready to use authorities under Section 212(a)
(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to
restrict the issuance of visas to current or former
Somali officials or other individuals who are believed
to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining
the democratic process in Somalia, including in
Somaliland.

TAGS

Bureau of African A-airs

O0ce of the Spokesperson

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