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In September 2023, amidst the conflict in Las Anod, I warned President Hassan Sheikh of Somalia against granting Federal State membership to the city of Las Anod—a region integral to Somaliland and predominantly inhabited by the Dhulbahante clan. In that article, (https://www.horndiplomat.com/2023/09/op-ed-tribal-borders-cannot-lead-to-unity-for-somalia-or-bring-back-somaliland/)
I cautioned: “If a new tribal state infringing on Somaliland sovereignty is created with the support of Somalia, this will be a point of no return for Somaliland and Somalia talks.”
This week, those very warnings became reality.
Somalia’s Prime Minister’s recent visit to Las Anod marked a blatant violation of Somaliland’s territorial integrity—a move Somaliland’s government rightly deemed as both provocative and a departure from the path of efforts towards stability. Las Anod has long been a contested area between SSC and Somaliland, and this latest escalation only exacerbates the conflict.
The timing of the visit revealed a calculated strategy. While Somalia’s PM stirred tensions in Las Anod, Somalia’s Ambassador to the US, Dahir Hassan, brazenly announced on X: “Proud to announce Somalia is officially open for oil drilling. SSC Khatumo is now recognized as a Federal Member State…” He went on to pinpoint the Nugaal Valley Basin as the drilling site, underscoring a poorly coordinated yet deliberate attempt to escalate the conflict Somalia is waging on Somaliland’s territories. At the time of writing this article, clashes are unfolding in the rural areas near Erigavo, Somaliland. This fresh offensive by SSC militias further underscores the ongoing, highly volatile nature of this conflict, which continues to be actively fuelled by Somalia.
Somalia’s aggressive posturing is also a desperate smokescreen, distracting from its own dire situation. The country grapples with a looming threat from violent extremists, a reality underlined by the recent overrun of Aden Yabal military base, the largest military base outside Mogadishu. The attack forced Somalia’s Army Chief and other senior officials to flee the military camp, laying bare the fragility of Somalia’s security infrastructure.
Strategic towns such as Yaasoman and Aboorey, along with regions like the Shabelle Valley and Hiraan, are under siege— all the way to Afgooye. This raises questions about Somalia’s ability to counter Al-Shabaab’s relentless advance into the capital city Mogadishu.
At this critical juncture, concerns among Somalia’s citizens about the nation’s trajectory are growing louder. While some blame the security failures on the lack of political progress, others point to the absence of a coherent security policy as the root cause. It almost feels like a futile attempt to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Could Hassan Sheikh Mohamud be Somalia’s final president? Is the international community in Mogadishu prepared with contingency plans on how to get out as quick as possible? The global fallout could be catastrophic if images of kidnapped or murdered embassy personnel from Mogadishu begin circulating on screens worldwide.
While Somalia battles conflicts on multiple fronts, it is astonishing that it can still divert aid funding to actively provoke conflict with Somaliland. One thing is certain: the region is approaching a breaking point. This reality highlights one of the international community’s most glaring failures—its persistent refusal to recognize Somaliland’s rightful sovereignty. A nation acknowledged long before many other African states gained independence, but which continuous to be overlooked. Yet an even greater indictment lies in the international community’s neglect of Somaliland, while at the same time they are funnelling billions into Somalia, how unfortunate then, that Somalia consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to squander resources through corruption and cede territory to violent extremism.
Under the leadership of the Kulmiye Party and former President Bihi, Somaliland achieved remarkable strides in advancing its global recognition. The signing of the MOU with Ethiopia marked a pivotal moment, creating undeniable momentum for Somaliland’s sovereignty. In response, Somalia’s president embarked on a desperate world tour, urging nations to renew support for the ‘One Somalia’ policy—a concept akin to a black hole, consuming everything while giving nothing in return.
It is important to emphasize that Somalilanders deeply oppose Al-Shabaab and everything it represents, this is precisely why the group has never gained a foothold in Somaliland. Our traditions of fostering peace and democracy in the region stand as a testament to our values. While Somalilanders’ greatest wish is to live in harmony with Somalia, as we will always remain neighbours, let there be no doubt: Somalilanders are unwavering in their readiness to defend their land and their people.
What’s next?
The international community plays a crucial role in preventing the war Somalia is waging on Somaliland, from escalating into a broader regional crisis. If aid funding to Somalia is misused to ignite and sustain conflicts in Somaliland – a pattern for which evidence already exists. Somaliland is justified in seeking international legal counsel against any external actors found responsible for fuelling such conflicts.
Considering these concerns, I strongly urge Somaliland’s government to demand the following measures from the international community moving forward:
- Aid allocated to Somalia must, under no circumstances, be utilized to wage conflicts, whether directly or indirectly, that undermine Somaliland’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
About the Author
By Sagal Ashour – Social epidemiologist
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions or perspectives of Somaliland Chronicle and its staff.
