Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday visited Las Anod, marking the first presidential appearance there in more than four decades.
The rare trip unfolded against heightened regional tensions, after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland stirred diplomatic unease across the Horn of Africa.
Las Anod serves as the administrative capital of Sool, a contested region claimed by both Somalia’s federal government and the breakaway Somaliland authorities.
Mohamud travelled to attend the inauguration of the president of the newly created Northeast State, Somalia’s sixth federal member state.
The new state unites Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, territories long shadowed by rivalry and overlapping claims of sovereignty.
Somaliland controlled Las Anod from 2007 until 2023, when fierce clashes forced its withdrawal after dozens were reportedly killed.
In a statement, the Somali presidency described the visit as a symbol of renewed unity and commitment to territorial integrity.
Somaliland officials responded swiftly, insisting Las Anod remains part of Somaliland and urging dialogue to resolve deepening political disputes.
Yet the visit carried heavy symbolism, casting Las Anod as both a fault line of conflict and a fragile stage for national ambition.
