On Ethiopia’s violent incursion, Buuhoodle slaughter, and Somaliland’s aggression on Widh-Widh near Dharkayn Geenyo Town in Northern Somalia.

The Puntland Diaspora Forum condemns in the strongest terms the recent Ethiopian incursion in the city of Buuhoodle where 13 innocent civilians needlessly lost their lives, while 30 have been inflicted with serious, life-threatening wounds. While PDF understands the security volatility of the long and porous border between Ethiopia and Somalia, the indiscriminate killing of the Ethiopian border security forces, and the brutal manner in which it was executed, we believe, was criminal and unlawful in nature. This is not the first time Ethiopian security force made violent incursions into Somali communities and townships, a pattern that underscores Ethiopia’s lack of respect of the Somali sovereignty and International Law.

PDF supports the position of Buuhoodle traditional elders and political leaders regarding the safety and stability of the Buuhoodle and surrounding settlements, and we call upon Somali Diaspora, UN and other relief agencies to aid the people of Buuhoodle in treating the wounded and rebuilding the destroyed properties. PDF also calls upon Ethiopian government to pay due compensation to the relatives of dead, help treat the wounded, and assist in rebuilding properties destroyed. PDF also calls upon Ethiopian government to respect the sovereignty of Somali lands and refrain from the repeat of Buuhoodle massacre. Such provocations only feed in creating conducive environment for security instability for a region that is already suffering from persistent security and political instabilities.

Puntland Diaspora Forum also condemns Somaliland militia’s provocations in the Widh-Widh and Balli-Hadhac villages near Dharkayn Geenyo. PDF is extremely saddened by the loss of civilian lives that resulted from Somaliland militia’s attempt to capture Widh-Widh, causing 5 civilian deaths and 11 civilian wounds. PDF supports legitimate attempts of Widh-Widh communities to object to Somaliland’s secessionist agenda to split the Somali people. Somaliland’s separatist agenda has long been a source of instability in the northern region, and this, we believe, is another sign of Hargeysa administration’s political shortsightedness.

PDF calls upon all Puntlanders to devise practical strategy that ensures their safety and security of their region. Somaliland’s belligerent, militaristic drive toward eastern cities and townships has caused great deal of suffering for the people of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn. Somaliland’s harassment, it must be noted, continues unabated in the city of Laas-caanood, which it has taken few years ago, as the residents of that great city are either displaced, or forced to live under constant prosecution. This cannot go on, and it’s time for all Puntlanders to stand together in addressing the Laas-caanood issue.

Puntland Diaspora Org.