Hiiraan Online

Las Anod (HOL) - Garad Jama Garad Ali, the traditional clan chief (Garad) of the Dhulbahante and leader of the 33-member SSC traditional council, which claims to be the legitimate representative and administration in Las Anod, has called on Somaliland to withdraw from the disputed areas of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC). Garad Jama urged Somaliland to leave the SSC regions to prevent further conflicts and avoid the outbreak of further hostilities.

"Rather than shaking hands on top of our sons' graves, let us shake hands while we are still alive and before more blood is shed so our sons can return home," said Garad Ali. He emphasized that the SSC people would not pursue Somaliland outside its claimed territory but urged the Somaliland administration to leave the contested areas.

In mid-April, Somaliland's President, Mr. Muse Bihi Abdi, held a video conference with European diplomats to address the ongoing conflict in Las Anod and discuss the stalled upcoming elections in Somaliland. President Bihi emphasized his administration's commitment to ending the conflict and adhering to a ceasefire, citing various measures his government took to lower tension and restore peace and stability in the city.

Tensions have escalated in Las Anod due to territorial disputes and political disagreements between Somaliland and the SSC-Khautmo militia. Heavy fighting has persisted since the SSC announced on February 5 that they would no longer recognize the Somaliland Administration.

President Bihi set a condition for Puntland to withdraw its troops, weapons, and tanks from Las Anod before further action could be taken. However, traditional elders of SSC-Khatumo accuse Somaliland of spreading misleading reports and reiterate that no Puntland forces are fighting in Las Anod. They claim that locals are defending the city from Somaliland troops.

The conflict has elicited international condemnation, mediation efforts by neighbouring Ethiopia, and calls for humanitarian relief due to concerns over further escalation. Ethiopia and Djibouti have attempted to mediate the conflict in Somaliland, with Ethiopia sending a delegation to Hargeisa and Garoowe in March 2023 to discuss the cessation of hostilities in Las Anod.

The intensifying political and security crises pose a significant humanitarian threat, with increasing food insecurity, limited access to essential services, and waves of internal displacement. Approximately 95,000 refugees and asylum-seekers have arrived in Ethiopia from Somalia since the conflict in Las Anod began in early February 2023, placing additional strain on resources and leading to a higher incidence of waterborne illnesses.