By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin, Gollis University, Hargeisa, Somaliland
As Somaliland prepares for a new chapter under the leadership of its recently elected president, who takes office on December 13, 2024, the nation faces an urgent and deeply humanitarian crisis: the fate of over 300 soldiers, including high-ranking military commanders, captured during the protracted conflict in the eastern regions. This marks the 25th outbreak of violence in the region—a sobering testament to the fragility of peace and the critical need for decisive leadership.
The outgoing administration, led by President Muse Bihi, has left behind a glaring void in its failure to negotiate the release of these prisoners, raising serious concerns among Somalilanders about the wellbeing of their loved ones and the nation’s moral obligations to its armed forces. The incoming president’s first and most immediate priority must be to address this crisis. A successful negotiation or repatriation effort will not only reunite these soldiers with their families but also restore the morale of the armed forces and reaffirm Somaliland’s commitment to its defenders.
For the families of the captured soldiers, every day without news is a day of anguish. Reports suggest worsening conditions for these detainees, whose fates remain shrouded in uncertainty. Somaliland society, known for its resilience and strong social fabric, is grappling with the implications of this prolonged neglect. The soldiers’ absence echoes through communities, leaving families struggling with economic and emotional hardship.
Moreover, the soldiers themselves—a vital segment of Somaliland’s defense force—deserve better. These men and women swore an oath to defend their homeland, risking their lives on the battlefield. To leave them languishing in unknown conditions is not only a betrayal of their service but also a blow to the values that Somaliland’s democracy and independence stand for.
History has shown that nations committed to the welfare of their armed forces foster greater unity, morale, and public trust. The United States, for instance, has set a precedent for prioritizing the safe return of its soldiers. From prisoner exchanges to daring rescue missions, successive American administrations have demonstrated the importance of leaving no soldier behind.
Such actions not only boost military morale but also strengthen public confidence in leadership. When soldiers and their families know their government will exhaust every effort to secure their safety, they fight with greater resolve, assured that their sacrifices will not be forgotten. Somaliland’s new president must draw inspiration from these examples and act with similar urgency and determination.
The principles of prisoner exchange and treatment are firmly rooted in international humanitarian law. Under the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations Charter, all parties in armed conflict are obligated to treat prisoners of war humanely and facilitate their exchange. These frameworks serve as a reminder that even in the chaos of war, there are rules that must be upheld to protect human dignity.
The Somaliland government must take immediate steps to engage in dialogue with the insurgents, ensuring that negotiations are guided by these principles. Building trust with the opposing side will not be easy, but it is a necessary step toward resolving this crisis and establishing lasting peace in the region.
The incoming president faces an unenviable challenge but also a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership and compassion. By making the safe return of the captured soldiers a top priority, he can set a powerful tone for his administration—one that values human life, honors service, and upholds the principles of justice and humanity.
This is not merely a political or military issue; it is a moral imperative. Somaliland must show the world—and itself—that it values the sacrifices of its armed forces and stands by those who defend its sovereignty.
