The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (HSJ) has opened a branch office in Las Anod on Tuesday to provide passport services to residents in the region. The opening represents a strategic effort by the Somali Federal Government to expand its influence in SSC-Khatumo. By establishing this new branch office, Mogadishu is asserting its authority and presence in an area that has long been contested by Somaliland.
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The new office, the agency’s 8th branch, was inaugurated by SSC-Khatumo leader Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, who thanked HSJ Director-General Ahmed Saeed Mohamed for the initiative. “This office is not just about providing services; it represents hope for the people of SSC-Khatumo,” Aw-Ali stated, highlighting the challenges faced by residents due to the protracted conflict with Somaliland forces.
Las Anod has been at the heart of a violent dispute since SSC-Khatumo declared autonomy from Somaliland in February 2023. The conflict has resulted in over 300 deaths and the displacement of more than 150,000 people. Key infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been heavily damaged. In October 2023, the Somali Federal Government officially recognized SSC-Khatumo as an interim administration, signalling its support against Somaliland’s claims over the region.
The establishment of the Immigration and Citizenship office in Las Anod aims to ease the burden on residents, reducing the need for long-distance travel to access government services.
