A tour of the disputed regions of Sool and Sanaag by Somalia Minister for National Planning and Development has drawn sharp reaction from the breakaway state of Somaliland.
Minister Jamal Mohamed Hassan on Wednesday visited towns in Sol and Sanag region which were once under Khatumo state but chose to join Somaliland.
Somaliland’s Minister of Defense Isse Ahmed issued a statement saying the breakaway region remained committed to its stability while keeping their borders open.
Mr Ahmed downplayed the minister´s visit saying it had no major political significance and that the towns visited were small towns
Somalia Information Minister Abdrahman Osman was quick to note his colleagues tour of the disputed regions
“Somalia makes huge progress everyday minister of planning today is in Sanaag and Bari regions while Minister of interior is in Gedo and Chairperson of Election Commission is in Middle Shabelle Federalism and working together is in action” Osman tweeted.
Minister Hassan later told journalists that his tour of Sool and Sanaag was highly welcomed by the public and heard their views on education, health and security