Somalia President Urges Prisoner Exchange with Somaliland

By Zakarie Hassan - Reporter

Somalia, 17 January 2026 — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced that the federal government is giving top priority to the release and exchange of prisoners held by the Somaliland and North East State of Somalia sides, saying the issue is central to rebuilding trust and advancing sustainable peace.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the President and Vice President of the North East State, held today in Las Anod, President Hassan said there is no justification for Somali youth to remain imprisoned due to past political miscalculations. He pledged that the federal government would support anyone working to resolve the prisoner issue.

“We stand with you in continuing peace and reconciliation, especially the exchange of prisoners on both sides. There is no justification for Somali youth to remain detained wherever they are held,” President Mohamud said.

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He stressed that the federal government would back all efforts aimed at releasing detainees through mutual understanding, and ending the prolonged detention of young people held due to conflict and political disputes.

Although no official figures have been released, local sources and previous reports indicate that up to hundreds of detainees are held by the different sides in northern Somalia. Prisoner exchanges have previously taken place between Puntland and Somaliland, following peace initiatives and community-led mediation efforts.

The president’s remarks come amid growing calls for the prisoner issue to be treated as the first gateway to reconciliation, as releases are seen as a key step in reducing tensions and opening the door to broader political dialogue.

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Somalia President Urges Prisoner Exchange with Somaliland

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