The conflict in Las Anod district is a complex and ongoing issue that involves multiple actors and interests. According to 1, the conflict started on December 26, 2022, when a local opposition politician was assassinated by unknown attackers, sparking anti-government protests across the city. The protesters accused Somaliland, which has controlled the city since 2007, of marginalizing and oppressing the local Dhulbahante clan, which belongs to the larger Harti clan family. The Dhulbahante clan also has ties with Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia that claims Las Anod as part of its territory. On February 6, 2023, the Dhulbahante elders declared their intention to form their own federal state under Somalia, named SSC-Khaatumo, and rejected both Somaliland and Puntland administrations. This triggered an attack by Somaliland forces, which met with resistance from local militia and other Harti clans. The fighting has resulted in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and hundreds of thousands of displacements.
According to 2, the conflict in Las Anod has implications for Somaliland’s diplomatic aspirations, as it undermines its image as a stable and democratic entity that deserves international recognition. Somaliland seceded from Somalia in 1991, following a civil war that devastated the country. Since then, it has held regular elections, maintained relative peace and security, and developed its own institutions and economy. However, it has not been recognized by any country or international organization, and faces challenges from Somalia’s federal government and neighboring regions over its borders and sovereignty. The conflict in Las Anod also exposes the clan divisions and grievances that persist within Somaliland and Somalia, and the difficulty of achieving national reconciliation and integration.
According to 3, the conflict in Las Anod is one of the core international crimes that have been committed by Somaliland forces against civilians and non-combatants. The author argues that Somaliland forces have violated international humanitarian law and human rights law by indiscriminately shelling residential areas, killing and injuring civilians, destroying property and infrastructure, looting and burning houses and shops, detaining and torturing suspects, and displacing thousands of people. The author calls for an independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible for these crimes, and for humanitarian assistance and protection for the victims.
The conflict in Las Anod is a serious humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention and intervention from the international community and regional actors. It also poses a threat to the stability and security of Somaliland and Somalia, as well as the Horn of Africa region. A peaceful resolution of the conflict requires dialogue and negotiation among all parties involved, respect for human rights and international law, and consideration for the aspirations and interests of the local population.
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