Harmony Amidst Turmoil: Upholding Somaliland's Government in Resolving Las'Anod Conflict

By -

 


In the heart of the turbulent Horn of Africa lies Somaliland, a bastion of peace and stability amid recent turmoil in Las’Anod. Conflict between the Somaliland National Army and multiple factions, including the Dhulbahante clan, Puntland, and Al-Shabaab, has sparked opposing narratives

 In the perpetually tumultuous Horn of Africa, Somaliland has distinguished itself as an enclave of peace, democracy, and stability. However, recent strife in Las’Anod, the capital of the Sool region, involving the Somaliland National Army and militias affiliated with the Dhulbahante clan, Puntland, and other mixed armed groups, has sparked contentious and irreconcilable narratives regarding the conflict's origins. Traditional leaders in Las'Anod, who instigated the war, assert their actions as defending their community against escalating insecurity and advocating for self-determination, justifying their stance with a common aspiration to reconnect with Somalia. In contrast, Somaliland attributes the conflict's inception to "terror groups."

Somaliland's history is rooted in a protracted struggle against Somalia's dictatorship regime, leading to its independence from the Union of Republic of Somalia in 1991. Las’Anod, situated in the Sool region on Somaliland's eastern periphery, shares its border with Puntland, a constituent of the federal government of Somalia. The genesis of the conflict stemmed from Garaad Jama of Dhulbahante declaring war against Somaliland, aiming to secede and realign with the Federal Government of Somalia. This declaration catalyzed the destruction of essential services, including hospitals and schools, plunging Las’Anod into chaos, prompting widespread displacement and jeopardizing the populace's livelihoods.

Somaliland asserts its sovereignty, tracing its legitimacy as the successor to the former British Somaliland Protectorate, including the territorial claims within its original borders. Conversely, Puntland's claims to the Sool region are founded on kinship ties to prominent Darood clans in the area.

The demarcation of African land borders by colonial powers has long been a source of conflict. The principle of border intangibility, as decreed in Resolution AHG/Res. 16 (1) during the Cairo Summit in July 1964, underscores the sanctity of existing borders at the time of independence within the Organization of African Unity framework. Therefore, Las'Anod falls within Somaliland's territory based on the African colonial borders, dismissing Puntland's claims rooted in tribal lineage.

The conflict's narrative has diverged drastically, leading to a polarized struggle exacerbated by the involvement of various global stakeholders, including diasporas, journalists, academics, and other lobbying entities, disseminating disparate interpretations of the conflict's genesis across social media platforms.

Somaliland, lacking de jure recognition and situated amidst perpetual regional conflict, faces threats from militant groups like Al-Shabaab and pirates, aggrieved by Somaliland's non-confrontational stance.

The assassinations targeting local elites, active since 2009 following Somaliland's military expulsion of Puntland from Las’Anod, potentially bear the hallmarks of a Puntland-led strategy to foment conflict between Las’Anod residents and Somaliland, evident from victims' affiliations with the Somaliland system.

However, internal political discord within Somaliland, marked by postponed elections in 2022 and clashes between security forces and civilians during demonstrations, has added to the volatile landscape.

Amidst this turmoil, the urgent need for humanitarian aid for displaced women and girls in Las’Anod remains unmet, obstructed by the actions of local leaders on both sides, necessitating immediate de-escalation, civilian protection, unimpeded humanitarian access, and peaceful dialogue as advocated by international communities.

Somaliland, equipped with the requisite expertise and resources, must navigate these internal challenges while addressing the unresolved issues in the Sool region to avert further external interference and the perils posed by groups like Al-Shabaab.


Yousef Timacade is a lawyer, legal analyst, and commentator with over a decade of experience in program management, research, and human rights advocacy. He holds master’s degrees in both law and executive management, which have equipped him with a unique blend of legal expertise and leadership acumen. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous national and international non-governmental organizations, driving impactful initiatives in the areas of human rights, policy development, and social justice. Currently, Yousef serves as the Country Coordinator for Somalia and Somaliland at SIHA Network, where he leads efforts to advance women's rights and advocate for marginalized communities.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Shattering Myths: Confronting the Cultural and Religious Misconceptions that Sustain FGM

By -
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains deep-rooted in certain cultures, particularly in Somali regions, despite global human rights efforts to eradicate it. One of the most persistent arguments used to justify FGM is the claim that it is a religious obligation. However, this justification is rooted more in cultural misconceptions than in religious doctrine. Another complex factor is the belief that men, including fathers, should not interfere in what is considered a "woman's affair," such as decisions about FGM for their daughters. These dynamics present significant challenges to efforts aimed at protecting girls from this harmful practice. The belief that FGM is a religious requirement, particularly within Islamic communities, is widespread but incorrect. Many argue that FGM, particularly the Sunna cut is mandated by Islam. The term "Sunna" refers to the practices of the Prophet Muhammad, leading to the misconception that this form of FGM is a religious obli...
Read more

Building Solidarity for New Horizons: Making a Case for the Maputo Protocol in Somalia

By -
  The Maputo Protocol stands as one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive legal instruments, designed to protect and promote the rights of women across the continent. Officially titled the "Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa," it was adopted in Maputo, Mozambique, in July 2003. Its 32 articles cover a broad range of women's rights issues, including political participation, reproductive health, protection from harmful practices, and sexual violence. However, despite signing the Maputo Protocol in 2006, Somalia has yet to ratify it, delaying the country's ability to fully protect women and girls under its provisions. This article makes a case for the ratification and implementation of the Maputo Protocol in Somalia, with a focus on critical areas such as female genital mutilation (FGM), women's participation, and sexual offenses. Somalia’s commitment to ratifying this protocol is vital for...
Read more

Somaliland's Healthcare Crisis: Profiteering Plagues a Struggling System, Driving Up Costs and Eroding Efficiency

By -
“ He gave me medicine, and when I poured it into her eyes, both of them fell out” .   A  mother says while holding her blind daughter's shoulder during a debate on MM TV. The provision of healthcare in Somaliland stands at a critical juncture, where the ease of establishing clinics and pharmacies has led to a concerning laxity in ensuring the quality and safety of medicines. The repercussions of this oversight have tragically affected individuals like Asma, a young girl left blind due to the callousness of an unscrupulous clinic owner. The privatization of healthcare services, while aiming for accessibility, has resulted in an unchecked influx of substandard medications. The blatant admission by certain suppliers that quality medicines remain financially out of reach for many only compounds the issue, causing widespread health hazards. These falsified and inadequate drugs contribute to dire consequences: poisoning, untreated diseases, premature deaths, and therapeutic failures...
Read more

Somalia's Potential within the East African Community: Assessing the Benefits and Challenges

By -
 The East African Community (EAC) stands as a beacon of regional cooperation and economic integration, fostering collaboration among member states for shared growth and development. As Somalia navigates its path to stability and progress, the question arises: Can Somalia obtain mutual benefits by joining or deepening its engagement with the EAC? Somalia, a nation with a complex history of conflict and instability, has been on a trajectory towards stability and reconstruction in recent years. Its potential inclusion within the EAC carries both promises and challenges, presenting a dynamic landscape of opportunities and considerations. Joining the EAC could potentially unlock various economic opportunities for Somalia. Access to a larger market comprising Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi would provide a platform for Somali goods and services to reach a wider consumer base. Increased trade facilitation and reduction in tariff barriers could spur economic growth and enh...
Read more

Somaliland's National Intelligence: A Threat to Human Rights and Security

By -
  In this article, we will explore the concerns surrounding Somaliland's National Intelligence Agency. Despite being a non-law enforcement agency, it operates detention centers, which is illegal and poses a threat to human rights and national security. Additionally, we will discuss how the agency's focus on limiting freedom of speech hampers its ability to fulfill its responsibilities. The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is a critical entity responsible for safeguarding Somaliland's national security. It plays a crucial role in gathering intelligence, counterintelligence, and protecting the country's interests both domestically and internationally. The agency was established with the purpose of safeguarding national security and collecting intelligence information, operating independently from the police. Its primary focus is to ensure the safety and welfare of the citizens of Somaliland. Its primary responsibility is to collect and analyze intelligence to support ...
Read more

The Cruelty of Hargeisa's Municipal Government

By -
Mayor Abdilkarim Mooge, known for his penchant for self-promotion, hastily issued a statement late last night, attempting to distance himself from the tragic incident. However, in his rush to absolve himself of responsibility, he conveniently overlooks the fact that he often basks himself in the credit for the positive actions of his staff. This selective disavowal risks painting him as politically opportunistic, exploiting situations for personal gain while evading accountability for the actions of his administration. Such actions undermine the trust and credibility he seeks to maintain with the public, as they see through the facade of empty statements devoid of genuine empathy or commitment to justice
Read more