There are dangerous developments in the Horn of Africa where the Chinese government and the Somalian government in tandem are using proxies to destabilize Somaliland particularly by infiltrating the far eastern regions of Somaliland, as armed militias have with the support and funding of China and Somalia by supplying weapons and ammunition have taken to ferment violence and instability. the Chinese embassy in Somalia has chosen to directly fund and support these militias in the far east of Somaliland.
The involvement of China in funding proxies to destabilize Somaliland has been discussed in various analyses and reports. Here’s a summary based on available information:
Proxy Conflict:
There are suggestions that the violence in Las Anod, Somaliland, might be a proxy conflict launched by China to punish Somaliland for its recognition of Taiwan. This perspective is discussed by the American Enterprise Institute, which highlights the strategic motivations of China in this region due to Somaliland’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Diplomatic Maneuvering:
China has expressed support for Somalia’s government, which is seen as a move to counteract Somaliland’s recognition of Taiwan. A visit by China’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa to Somalia was reported to affirm China’s stance on Somalia’s sovereignty, which indirectly pressures Somaliland. This is covered by the South China Morning Post.
Ties with Militant Groups:
Posts on X (formerly Twitter) have mentioned that China is allegedly supplying weapons and logistical support to militia groups like militias in Laas Anod, Somaliland. These claims are echoed in discussions around China’s broader strategy in the region, particularly in areas where Somaliland and Somalia have overlapping claims.
Strategic Interests:
Reports from sources like 19FortyFive and the American Enterprise Institute suggest that China’s interest in oil-rich regions of Somaliland, coupled with its resentment towards Somaliland’s recognition of Taiwan, might be motivating its actions in fostering instability. This includes potential support for groups that challenge Somaliland’s authority.
The conclusion of these troubling actions is that China has chosen to destabilize Somaliland not only because of Somaliland’s pro-democracy and western friendly disposition but also due to Somaliland’s openness towards providing the United States with a base in the gulf of Aden Chinas plan as it looks for now is to outmaneuver the United States and force them to have no strategic maneuverability in the red sea to counteract the Houthis and to further destabilize the world’s busiest shipping route. This plan by the Chinese regime takes help from their major ally Iran’s and its proxy the Houthi terrorist Organization as well as Somalia and its northern region of Puntland as well as the head of the militias in far eastern Somaliland.
