Las Anod conflict
Part of the Somali Civil War

Map of the 2023 Las Anod conflict[1][2]
  Under control of Somaliland
  Under control of SSC-Khatumo Administration
Date6 February 2023 – present (11 months, 1 week and 4 days)
Location
Las Anod
Result

Ongoing

Belligerents

 Somaliland[5]

Alleged support:

 Djibouti (denied by Djibouti)[6]

 Somalia

Commanders and leaders
Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi
Somaliland Nuh Ismail Tani
Somaliland Faisal Abdi Bootan  (POW)[7]		 Khatumo Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw Ali
Units involved
 Somaliland National Army
Casualties and losses
At least 300 captured including top military generals[16] Unknown
~343 people dead[17][16]
154,000-203,000 civilians displaced[18]
600 wounded[19]

The Las Anod conflict is an ongoing armed conflict between the Somaliland National Army and the SSC-Khatumo forces of the Dhulbahante in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region.[5][20][21] Fighting erupted on February 6 after Somaliland security forces held a violent crackdown on civil protests.[22][23] On February 8, the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali, declared an intent to secede and reunite with the Federal Government of Somalia.[24][25]

The conflict has killed over 300 people and displaced 153,000–203,000 refugees. Citizens have been displaced en-masse externally to Buuhodle and the Ethiopian border, internally to SSC-Khatumo territories of Taleh, Hudun, Buuhodle, or to Puntland cities – most commonly Garowe, Galkacyo and Burtinle.[26][18] On March 16, Somaliland troops were reported to be shelling civilians from the surrounding area.[27] In late April, Amnesty International released a report, determining that Somaliland security forces' indiscriminate shelling of Las Anod had damaged schools, mosques, and hospitals, and killed and injured civilians.[28]

Background

Las Anod at night, circa 2021

Las Anod had been controlled by Somaliland since 2007, Since the local Puntland militia switched loyalties. The clan militias supporting Somaliland were loyal to Ahmed Abdi Habsade, a Puntland minister who defected to Somaliland and then returned to Puntland.[29][30] In particular, the security situation reported to have severely declined under Somaliland's control. The Raad Peace Research Institute in Mogadishu reported that "120 prominent clan and community leaders were assassinated" between 2007 and 2022 in the city proper.[31]

In December 2022, civil demonstration and unrest began to spread northwest across the Sool region, from Taleh to Kalabaydh, Hudun, Boocame and Tukaraq, driven by perceived political marginalization in Somaliland.[32] The protests were triggered by the death of Abdifatah Abdulli Hadrawi, a popular politician in the Waddani opposition party.[33] When the mass civil demonstration reached Las Anod, Somaliland security forces held a violent crackdown on the protestors in the final week of December 2022 which killed 20 people. Following bilateral talks, Somaliland troops retreated from the city to their Sool outposts to prevent further violence.[23]

Clashes

Following mass protest that continued from December into January 2023, the retreat of the Somaliland troops paved the way for the return of the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali – a community leader exiled from Las Anod since 2007.[24] Rumor spread of a grand meeting of all Dhulbahante clan elders, followed by speculation that the elders would vote to exile Somaliland security forces from the city.[34] On 6 February 2023, the Dhulbahante clan elders declared their intent to form a state government named "SSC-Khatumo" within the Federal Government of Somalia.[5] Fighting broke out earlier on the same day in Las Anod between Somaliland troops and Dhulbahante militias in the Sayadka Hill suburb (reportedly home to two committee members), with shots heard in the streets surrounding Hamd Hotel where Somaliland dignitaries were staying.[35]

On 8 February, the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali, accused the Somaliland government of genocide, called for peace and declared Las Anod's intent to self-determination and be governed from Mogadishu under the Federal Government of Somalia.[36][24] Within the same week of February, fighting and civilian bombardments had killed at least 82 people in total and displaced 90% of the residents. The region had produced 185,000 internally displaced people and 60,000 refugees in February.[37] On 2 March, the mayor of Las Anod reported that Somaliland forces were bombing public buildings from the surrounding countryside including government institutions and hospitals. The UN also reported a casualty count of over 200 deaths.[38]

A number of fellow Harti-Darod (including Warsangali, Dashiishe & Majeerteen) clans have announced their support for the Las Anod Dhulbahante and sent armed contingents to the city.[39][40][8] The Dhulbahante are receiving money, equipment and fighters from allied Darod-Harti clans in Somalia - the Warsangali and Majeerteen.[39][40]

On 20 April, Amnesty International released a report concluding a 2-month human rights investigation into the Las Anod conflict. The report called for an urgent investigation into the conflict, including interviews from local citizens describing shrapnel and mortar shell deaths.[28] The report also included photos of indiscriminate 107mm rocket shelling from Somaliland security forces – confirming use of weapons banned as part of the current UN Somali arms embargo.[28][41]

SSC-Khatumo holds Independence Day celebration in Las Anod

On 7 June, the UN Security Council released a statement reaffirming its full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia. They also stated, "The members of the Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of 'Somaliland' security forces and urged all parties to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions, incitement to violence, and inflammatory rhetoric. This is in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for peace."[42] The following day, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing their view that the UNSC "appears to be misinformed about the facts on the ground."[43]

On 11 July, Somaliland troops were reported to have shelled a health facilities and public infrastructures in Las Anod, destroying 2 ambulances and causing dozens of casualties (including healthcare workers and patients).[44] The World Health Organization published a press release condemning the attack on the facility and the shelling of hospitals.[45] In response, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the statement as "disturbing" and claimed that they were fighting clan militias and Al-Shabaab terrorists, to ensure "that those in need have access to these services and other humanitarian assistance".[46]

On 16 August, famous Somali traditional poet Abwan Jama Kadiye was reportedly killed by indiscriminate mortar shelling in Las Anod. Both Somaliland and SCC-Khatumo blamed each other for his death.[47][48] The incident sparked strong emotions among the residents of Somalia and Khatumo, who were understandably outraged by the loss of a respected poet and community member. Some individuals within Khatumo even expressed a desire for justice and retribution in response to the incident. They indicated a potential intent to take revenge on Somaliland, given their suspicions.[48][49]

Fall of Gojacade and Maraaga bases

On August 25, SCC-Khatumo forces launched an attack on Somaliland forces on the outskirts of Las Anod, capturing two bases held by the Somaliland Army in Maraaga and Gojacadde. After the unexpected defeat, the Somaliland forces fled in confusion, regrouping to Dhodida in the northwest. SSC-Khatuno claimed this advance also resulted in the capture of Dhuxun, Xargega, Golayeedhay, Canjiid, Adhi'adeye, Samakaab, Yagoori, Wadhake, and Guumays and their respective military bases. Additionally, they claimed to have captured a substantial amount of military equipment, including several T-54/T-55 tanks, multiple ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft aitocannons, eight Fiat CM6614 vehicles, at least one BM-21 multiple rocket launcher, and various undisclosed military assets. They also claimed a significant quantity of weaponry was neutralized during this operation,[3][50] as well as the commander of Somaliland Army's 12th division.[51]

In the aftermath of the offensive, the Somaliland Ministry of Defense released a statement stating that its army withdrew from their positions in the eastern part of the Sool region for "strategic military purposes and is in the phase of reorganizing and preparing to counter the enemy." Somaliland added that some of its forces are missing after encountering difficulties in reaching their intended destinations.[52][53]

On 1 September, the International Committee of the Red Cross stated it had collected 43 bodies from fighting in Las Anod.[16]

Following clashes

On 19 October, Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state.[54]

In November, Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo forces clashed in the villages of Buq-Dharkayn and Yeyle. This fighintg increasingly involved the Habar Jeclo sub-clan of the Isaaq. Various Somaliland politicians have tried to mobilize the Habar Jeclo to fight the SSC militias as they reside around the disputed territories of the SSC.[55]

On 25 December, a clash between two militias in Las Anod killed one and injured three.[56]

Allegations of external actors

In the political fog of the conflict, both sides have alleged the presence of external actors in Las Anod. The Somaliland foreign ministry allege they are fighting foreign armed groups on the Las Anod side including the Somali National Army, Puntland Security Force, Liyu Police fighters,[57] Al-Shabaab fighters and southern Somali states.[58]

All groups accused by Somaliland government have denied claims of organizational involvement:

The Dhulbahante clan accuse the Somaliland side of involving Djiboutian National Police officers and Chinese weaponry smuggled via Djibouti. The Djiboutian government denied these claims.[63]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "ACLED Regional Overview Africa: November 2023 - Burkina Faso | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  2. ↑ "Golaha xoghayayaasha maamulka SSC- Khaatumo oo maanta la siiyay codka kalsoonida" [The board of secretaries of SSC-Khatumo administration was given a vote of confidence today]. Hiiraan Online. 2023-09-25. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  3. 1 2 Staff, Horseed (2023-08-25). "Somalia: SSC Forces Capture Somaliland's Goojacade military Base". Horseed Media. Archived from the original on 2023-08-26. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  4. ↑ Amokeoja, Oluwatomisin (2023-08-25). "SSC Administration Captures Somaliland's Main Military Base". BNN. Archived from the original on 2023-09-04. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Haji, Mohammed (20 February 2023). "What's driving conflict in the disputed Somali city of Las Anod?". Al Jazeera English. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  6. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2023-06-08. Retrieved 2023-09-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. ↑ "Waa kuma Feysal Bootaan, taliyihii guutada 12-aad ee Somaliland ee ay gacanta ku dhigeen SSC?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  8. 1 2 3 Culay, Shiine. "Ciidankii Majeerteen iyo Warsangeli oo Laascaanood galay". YouTube (in Somali). Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  9. ↑ Cabdi, Ciro. "Gurmadkii beesha warsangali oo gudaha ugalay laascaanood". Fcaebook (video) somali. Ali samatar. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  10. ↑ Shire, Maxamuud Nadif (25 March 2023). "Daawo: Beesha Ugaar Saleebaan oo ciidamo iyo hub u dirtay Jiida Laascaanood" (video). Facebook (in Somali). Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  11. ↑ Delmar, Maxamed Feysal. "Ciidanka beesha cumar maxamuud oo saaka soo Dhaqaaqay". (Video) Facebook in somali. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  12. ↑ Hassan, Abdiqani. "Beelweynta Cismaan Maxamuud oo gurmad ciidan u dirtay magaalada Laascaanood". Facebook (video). Horseen Media. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  13. ↑ Tv, Sagal. "Ciidankii Ugu Badnaa Ee cali saleebaan oo maanta U dhqaaqay magaalada laascaano, si ay u difaacaan walaalaha reer laascaano". Facebook (video). Sagal Tv. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  14. ↑ Media, Dhulmar. "Ciidamadi ugu Badnaa Foolmaroodi ee Beesha siwaaqroon". D. Media. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  15. ↑ Abdi, Xabiibo Ladan. "Ciidankii 2aad ee ka socda Beelaha Ciise Maxamuud iyo Bah-dubays ee Cismaan Mohamud oo ka ruuqaansaday deegaanka Birta-dheer ayaa maanta gaarey furimaha dagaalka gobolka Sool". Facebook (video). Golis. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  16. 1 2 3 AfricaNews (2023-09-01). "43 bodies collected from clashes in a disputed Somali city – Red Cross". Africanews. Archived from the original on 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  17. ↑ "More deaths reported as Somaliland army accused of killing prisoners". Garowe Online. 19 March 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  18. 1 2 "Somalia: Flash Update No. 4 Situation in Laas Caanood, Sool Region, 3 April 2023". OCHA. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  19. ↑ "Somaliland: Urgent investigation needed as fighting takes heavy toll on civilians in Las Anod". Amnesty International. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  20. ↑ Ross, Will (8 February 2022). "UN urges probe into deadly Somaliland clashes". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2023-03-23. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  21. ↑ "Thousands flee fighting in Somaliland town". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2023-03-27. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  22. ↑ Ali, Faisal (7 February 2023). "At least 24 dead in Somaliland fighting". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  23. 1 2 Sheikh-Nor, Mohamed (6 January 2023). "Somaliland Withdraws Troops from Disputed Town to Halt Violence". Voice of America English News. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  24. 1 2 3 "Somalia: We are witnessing genocide in Las Anod - elder". Garowe Online. 9 February 2023. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  25. ↑ Ali, Garad Jama (19 March 2023). "BBC World News - Garad Jama Ali declares Dhulbahante intent to merge Sool with federal Somali govt" (video). YouTube. BBC World News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  26. ↑ Kulkarni, Pavan (2023-04-06). "Dozens more killed defending unionist city of Las Anod from separatist Somaliland". Peoples Dispatch. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
  27. ↑ "Somalia: Somaliland asked to withdraw troops from SSC regions". Garowe Online. 16 March 2023. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  28. 1 2 3 "Investigate Somaliland killings, says Amnesty International". Amnesty International. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  29. ↑ "Somalia: Protests in Las Anod against visiting Somaliland ministers". 22 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  30. ↑ Hoehne, Markus Virgil (2015). "Between Somaliland and Puntland" (PDF). Rift Valley Institute. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 July 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2023 – via Reliefweb.
  31. ↑ Dhaysane, Mohammed (22 February 2023). "At least 112 people killed in fighting in Somaliland". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  32. ↑ Kulkarni, Pavan (18 January 2023). "Protests in Breakaway Somaliland Call for Reunification with Somalia". Toward Freedom. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  33. ↑ "More than 20 'pro-greater Somalia' protesters killed in Lasanod". Garowe Online. 31 December 2022. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  34. ↑ "Grand entry of exiled traditional elders in Las Anod major concerns for Somaliland". Garowe Online. 30 June 2020. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  35. ↑ "Somalia: Fresh fighting breaks out in Las Anod city". Garowe Online. 6 February 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  36. ↑ Ali, Garad Jama (19 March 2023). "BBC World News - Garad Jama Ali declares Dulbahante intent to merge Sool with federal Somali govt" (video). YouTube. BBC World News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  37. ↑ Ahmed, Kaamil (22 February 2023). "Tens of thousands of refugees flee from Somaliland clashes". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  38. ↑ "More than 200 killed, nearly 700 wounded in Somaliland clashes". TRT World. 2 March 2023. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  39. 1 2 "Time for Somaliland and the Dhulbahante to Talk". Crisis Group. 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  40. 1 2 Hoehne, Markus Virgil (13 June 2023). "Somalia: The Dynamics of Conflict Over Lasanod - Ongoing Fighting, Administration Building, Failed Mediation and Forecast". African Arguments. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  41. ↑ "UN extends Somalia arms embargo amid government dissatisfaction". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2023-04-24.
  42. ↑ "Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Somalia". June 7, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Hargeisa, Somaliland, June 8th, 2023 - Press Release on UN Security Council's June 7th Statement". June 8, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Somaliland expresses deep concern over WHO statement on Las'anod conflict". hornobserver.com. 2023-07-15. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  45. ↑ "WHO condemns attack on health care facility in Las Canood, Somaliland". WHO EMRO. Cairo/Mogadishu. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  46. ↑ "Somaliland Government Response to WHO Statement Regarding Las'anod". Republic of Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  47. ↑ "Abwaan Jaamac Kadiye oo lagu aasay Laascaanood". VOA (in Somali). 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  48. 1 2 "Tragedy in Somalia: Renowned Poet Jama Kadiye Elmi Killed in bombardment". Garowe Online. 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
  49. ↑ "Garaad Mukhtaar Garaad Cali Buraale: "Xabaasha Gambara ee AUN Abwaan Jaamac Kadiye waxa xigi doona xabaalo badan oo Hargeysa & Burco"". Radio Daljir (in Somali). 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  50. ↑ "Waa imisa tirada maxaabiista iyo gaadiidka ay SSC sheegteen inay Somaliland uga qabsadeen Goojacadde?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-08-26. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  51. ↑ "Waa imisa tirada maxaabiista iyo gaadiidka ay SSC sheegteen inay Somaliland uga qabsadeen Goojacadde?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-08-26. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  52. ↑ "Somali Army Captures Elbur District, a Major Al-Shabab Base". Voice of America. 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  53. ↑ Ministry of Defence | Somaliland [@SomalilandMod] (25 August 2023). "Ciidanka Qaranku waxay ku jiraan dib-isku-habayn iyo diyaargarow culus oo cadowga lagaga hortagayo. Wasaaradda Gaashaandhiga JSL" [The National Army is in the midst of reorganization and serious preparations to confront the enemy. Ministry of Defense JSL] (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  54. ↑ "Somalia-Khatumo State focuses on autonomy, with risk of tribal clashes and separatist moods in the rest of the country - Robert Lansing Institute". lansinginstitute.org. 2023-12-26. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  55. ↑ Birru, Ladd Serwat, Héni Nsaibia, Susanna Deetlefs, Jalale Getachew (2023-12-07). "Regional Overview: Africa | November 2023". ACLED. Retrieved 2024-01-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  56. ↑ "Iska horimaad dhimasho leh oo saaka ka dhacay Laascaanood". Voice of America (in Somali). 2023-12-25. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  57. ↑ "Somaliland Accuses Ethiopia of "Fuelling the Laasaanood Conflict"". puntlandpost.net. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  58. ↑ "The Republic of Somaliland's response to the US State Department Statement". Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-10.
  59. ↑ "Beenin hadal ka soo yeeray maamulka ridada Somaliland" [Denying the allegations of apostate Somaliland administration] (PDF). Somalimemo (in Somali). 9 February 2023.
  60. ↑ "Afar arrimood oo ku gadaaman dagaalka Laascaanood". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  61. ↑ "Puntland admits to having troops in las Anod – Somali Dispatch". 9 May 2023.
  62. ↑ "Ethiopia denies sending troops to Las Anod, Somalia". Garowe Online. 11 March 2023. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  63. ↑ "Somalia: Djibouti denies links to mass murders in Las Anod". Garowe Online. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 16 April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
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