The Somaliland National Armed Forces have expressed their regret and dismay that an article that has political inclinations contrary to the disciplined and guidelines of the security institution was published unorthodoxly in their official Facebook site in an unduly manner.
The repost elicited an uproar from a cross section of the members of the public following several reposts that went viral in the social media.
The Somaliland National Armed Forces has, hitherto, never indulged in any political statements and have moved swiftly to assuage and address the hiccup created by the article which portrayed the institution of indulging in politics.
The spokesman of the Somaliland National Army, Major General Abdi Abdillahi Hasan, said that a statement published on the army’s social media was uncalled for and inappropriate and underpinned the fact that the culprit officer behind the re-post of the article from an on-line source has already been reprimanded and will be answerable.
The statement issued by the armed forces headquarters reads as follows:-
Press Statement
To Whom It May Concern,
We are issuing this statement to address a recent issue concerning a Facebook postdated Wednesday, May 2nd. It has come to our attention that the post may have caused confusion and discomfort among a cross-section of the members of the public and in particular the opposition party. We want to clarify that the content in question was not a statement from the head of our Army but rather a repost from a local online newspaper.
We regret any misunderstanding this may have caused, and we apologize for any inconvenience or upset it may have triggered. The views expressed in the Facebook post do not reflect the official stance of our organization. Furthermore, we want to make it clear that we do not hold the opinion that the opposition party has any inclination towards any country.
Although we encourage the international community to support the Somaliland National Army the same way they support the Somalia military, we do not endorse or support any statements that could be misinterpreted or cause undue controversy.
It is important to us that our communications are clear and accurate, and we are committed to ensuring this in the future. We appreciate the ongoing support and understanding from our community and stakeholders. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our communications team.
Thank you for your attention and understanding”. END.
The Somaliland Aviation and Airports Authority (SAAA) revealed that the Mogadishu based Somali government has acknowledged that that they have lost control of much of the airspace in many areas of their country.
This was disclosed in a press release that highlights the fact that the Mogadishu air controllers have lost the control of the widely traditionally standard voice messaging procedure hence have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that they should opt for the unorthodox simple text messaging through Controller Pilot Datalink Communications (CPDLC) instead.
The SAAA has pointed out that the government of Somalia has realized that 60% of the airspace in the whole of Somaliland and parts of Somalia is directed by the control of the Aviation Information Center in Hargeisa, indeed a major achievement for the Republic of Somaliland in the air saga between the two countries.
It is worth noting that when the SAAA declared its takeover of its Somaliland airspace, the Mogadishu government hastily announced in denial that the airspace in question was only a 150 mile radius around Hargeisa; but with the NOTAM release it has acknowledged that it had not lost control over the whole of Somaliland but a chunk of its own Somalia airspace depend on the Hargeisa center to direct flights overhead.
The press release read as follows:-
“The Somali Civil Aviation Authority issued a notification or NOTAM stating that more than 60% of the control and management of the airspace have been taken over, telling the airlines that from now on they should call Hormuud Satellite Company’s phone number which is open to (SATCOM), and the CPLDC equipment, which is not fully capable and in essence the system that caused the scary problems that happened to Qatar Airways and Ethiopian airlines in near-miss collusions; and this is in violation of the ICAO regulations established for the guidance of civil aviation.
The press release added that according to the announcement, the Somali Aviation Authority has confirmed that most of the airspace control (lost hence directed by Hargeisa) are from:-
Ras Caseyr to Bahdo District in Galgaduud Region,
Qandala to Buhoodle,
Wajale to Lasqoray ,
Wajale to Dhudub District.
On February 13, when Somaliland announced that it had taken over the control of its airspace, the Civil Aviation Authority of Somalia issued a statement, which said that 150 (miles) of Hargeisa and its surroundings had been taken over”.
The SAAA press release concluded that “this is a victory for the nation of the Republic of Somaliland”.
Bill on Press Act will be drafted swiftly, says Minister Ali Marehaan, as he calls on the opposition fraternity not to be wary of public media
By M.A. Egge
The Minister of the Ministry of Information, Culture and National Guidance who doubles as the spokesperson of the government Hon. Ali Hassan Mohamed “Ali Marehaan” has promised that the Somaliland press law will be drafted and will be presented to the legislative councils as soon as possible.
He told the opposition fraternity not to be wary of the public media for the information department will always be impartial as per required legal regulations.
The minister said this at an event to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day usually observed on the 3rd of May which was held in the capital Hargaisa on Saturday and was attended by several members of the council of ministers, the First Deputy chairman of the Kulmiye Party, Somaliland press organizations, and other dignitaries.
Hon. Ali Mohamed congratulated the media in Somaliland, Africa and the rest of the world as a whole for the steadfastness being committed to their duties.
He said while acknowledging their chores, “the media fraternity everywhere around the globe work all through the hours hence do their duties to the hilt, however, criticism abound whether it is in the public or private media; though what is a necessity is the fact that they should all adhere to honesty, truthfulness and patriotism’”.
As for the issues regarding the press law, he explained that there is law 27 that came out in 2004 which he said that it is “a brief law and it needs to be expanded and supplemented to include what is missing”.
He said that he has met the SOLJA journalists committee and that the association was already working on it.
He said that concerted efforts to comprehensively work on the Somaliland Press Act is in the process and would be accomplished as soon as possible.
He said that the law had seventy-three articles, and needed some streamlining.
“We will meet soon to draft the law and then according to the procedure, we will submit it to the council of ministers and thence to the parliament”, he said.
Saying that the bills of the law was presented to the parliament before during a time that he himself was an MP but several bottlenecks were placed especially by the media fraternity who claimed that they were not consulted.
He pledged that they will see to it that the media Bill will be drafted professionally in due course.
He pointed out that a nation’s image ought to be impeccable and it is indeed moulded by the press.
The Minister of Information has made it clear that the national media is in the midst of the election and there is a rule in this regard.
The minister said that the media, including the public one, have legally ought to be impartial.
He called on the opposition fraternity not be wary of the public media for fear of impartiality but should work with them, especially now that the electioneering process is underway and the political campaigning season is around the corner.
A three-day workshop for police training in prevention of crime is underway.
The seminar was opened by Police Training Commander Brigadier General Abdi Ahmed Tiir within the week convened by the police department and the UNDP in Hargeisa.
A statement from the Police Headquarters said that the purpose of the meeting was to develop a credible crime prevention plan.
Participants were 22 officers who were drawn from different base commands and stations across the board.
The UNDP organization has always had close cooperation with the police force and had perpetually been at hand to support the department in various and numerous respective aspects.
The Somaliland Police Force is often trained in proficiencies to improve their skills, knowledge and expertise.
The Somaliland National Elections Commission NEC has called on the members of the public and stakeholders to prepare and be in readiness for the upcoming elections.
The chairman of the NEC Mr. Musa Hassan Yusuf, who spoke to the media after a meeting the NEC commissioners had with the supreme parliamentary Permanent Standing Committee lower House of Representatives, called for the need of upholding good conduct during the electioneering period, which includes the campaigning season and voting.
He also called on the media fraternity to adhere to the tenets of the profession hence follow the expected ethical demands hence conduct themselves responsibly.
He said, “The electioneering process is underway and people are to go to the polls. We hope that that member of the public and the media fraternity would conduct themselves wisely and with maturity hence the press ought to adhere to the ethics of the profession and comply with the rules set”.
He underpinned the fact that the NEC should be left to embark on their duties t hand.
Said he, “The NEC should be left to do its duties and incase of any hiccups it has ways and means of addressing them concertedly with the stakeholders”.
The Permanent Standing Committee of the House of Representatives on its part said that they are working with the commission to ensure that the elections are held legally, praising the commission for its efficient work
The set date and time of the holding of the presidential and political party elections has officially been slated for November the 13th, 2024.
The modern telecommunications services company, SOMTEL has won an international award after being recognized as the best company of the year for developing telecommunications and technology companies in Africa.
The award was given by the Cambridge IFA organization that works on good governance in the world, in a ceremony that was held in the Philippines during the week
Officials representing the company were in attendance at the presentation.
A press release from the company explaining the importance of the award read:-
“We are happy that the Somtel Company won the ‘Best Growing Business and Modern Technology Company in Africa 2024’ which is an international award that held the ceremony in the Philippines.
“This award was given by the Cambridge IFA, an international global institution.
“The prestigious award recognizes Somtel, DahabPlus and eDahab and our commitment to improving telecommunications and digital services in the region.
“It was just recently when the Somtel Company became the first company to launch 5G in the Somali regions of Africa.
“Somtel, DahabPlus, and eDahab are leading the way in modern digital technology and services that boost the economy and boost business in the region”. END.
The Chairman of the High Court of Somaliland, Aden Haji Ali, and the leadership of the Somaliland Press Association, Solja, discussed how to draft the Somaliland Press Act and that the Somaliland High Court should assist Somaliland journalists in the field of legal protection of journalists.
The Chief Justice who is also the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Somaliland Hon. Adam Haji Ali Ahmed, received in his chambers the officials of the Somaliland Media Association (SOLJA) over the week, led by the Chairman of the Association, Shaafi Mohamed Ibrahim.
The purpose of the meeting was general information exchange and the acceleration of cooperation between the judiciary and the SOLJA.
The SOLJA officials in the process asked professional support from the judiciary department in the drafting of the press laws and also training to strengthen the media’s understanding of the general laws.
On the other hand, CJ Adam welcomed the officials from the SOLJA organization, and underlined that the justice sector depended on the media fraternity in bolstering its services as per dissemination to the members of the public and in advancement of sciences for the work-flow processes.
He pointed out the importance of drafting comprehensive media law, and urged the SOLJA officials to also work closely with the House of Representatives and other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information.
The CJ praised the media for their honorable role in nation building and called on them to pay special attention to effective programs that build the intelligence of our society.
In recent developments, officials from the Republic of Somaliland and the Ethiopian government are on the brink of finalizing a groundbreaking agreement that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region.
The possibility of Ethiopia establishing a naval base along Somaliland’s coastline and potentially recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty has captured the attention of international observers and stakeholders alike.
A New Chapter in Regional Cooperation
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland is groundbreaking because it provides Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, with a unique opportunity to break free from its geographical constraints, which could have serious consequences for its future.
The MoU also presents Somaliland with a chance to gain recognition as a fully independent state from a major regional and continental power. The economic potential for both nations is described as immense, with the belief that everyone involved stands to benefit.
The success of this agreement relies heavily on the dedication of the Ethiopian government and its ability to make decisions independently in alignment with its core economic and political interests, free from external pressures.
The journey towards this potential agreement began four months ago with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi. Since then, negotiations have been in full swing, with technical committees diligently working towards a mutually beneficial outcome.
Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Essa Kayd, told Deutsche Welle that the agreement on the lease of the Ethiopian naval base to Somaliland is expected to be signed in about two months. The minister stated that three alternative locations have been identified for Ethiopia to lease a naval base.
Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Essa Kayd Mohamud
Somaliland officials, opposition political party leaders, and diplomats are expecting the “partnership and cooperation memorandum of understanding” signed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Muse Bihi Abdi to be implemented in the coming months.
When the MoU was signed four months ago on January 01, 2024, the Ethiopian government announced at the time that the negotiations would be completed within one month. Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Essa Kayd, told Deutsche Welle that after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, discussions have been held and technical committees have been appointed.
“Things have been moving well,” Dr. Essa Kayd told Deutsche Welle, although the process has slowed down during the fasting month of Ramadan.
“Everything depends on when the two groups meet to negotiate the agreement,” said Dr. Essa. I think it will be completed in the coming months, maybe in about two months,” he told Deutsche Welle.
Chapters Unfolding
Naval Base Agreement
Central to the discussions is the prospect of Ethiopia leasing a portion of Somaliland’s extensive 850-kilometer coastline to establish a naval base. While three potential areas have been earmarked for this purpose, the specifics are yet to be disclosed pending further deliberations.
“There are certain areas that we have identified. After we meet with our Ethiopian counterparts, one will be chosen,” said the Somaliland Foreign Minister, refusing to name the three locations.
The establishment of a naval base holds significant strategic implications for both countries and could pave the way for enhanced security cooperation and maritime activities in the region.
Somaliland’s finance minister, Dr. Saad Ali Shire, said Berbera port “will be open for use by all parties, including Ethiopian businessmen and the government. So, there is no need to build another port,” he told Deutsche Welle.
Sovereignty Recognition
In a potential game-changer, talks are also underway regarding Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty. Such a move could bolster Somaliland’s standing on the global stage, unlocking avenues for international engagement, investment, and development. Additionally, it could facilitate access to much-needed financial resources from international institutions, heralding a new era of growth and prosperity for Somaliland.
Somaliland Finance Minister Saad Ali Shire expressed his hope to Deutsche Welle that the agreement will be signed, “when we get recognition, it will be politically important because we will have a voice on the international stage.”
The Minister of Finance said that the recognition that Somaliland will receive will “open the door for investment, trade, travel and development, and it will be beneficial in terms of economy.”
“We can borrow money from international financial institutions,” said Dr. Saad Ali, who expects “many doors” to open for Somaliland as a result of the recognition.
The agreement, which gives the first recognition to Somaliland, will allow the Ethiopian navy to get a military base on a 50-year lease. As Dr. Essa says, “They are not two different things. They are two interconnected things.”
“When we agree to sign the lease agreement, at the same table and on the same day, the Ethiopian declaration recognizing Somaliland should be followed immediately,” explained the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Geo-Political Ramifications
However, the path to this historic agreement is not without its challenges. The opposition from Somalia’s Federal Government, citing concerns about territorial integrity, underscores the complex dynamics at play. The involvement of the Group of Seven (G7) countries, urging dialogue and peaceful resolution of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, further highlights the delicate balancing act required to navigate this intricate geopolitical landscape.
“Somaliland is a sovereign country. In this way, we can customize bilateral relations and sign agreements with the countries we want,” says Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Essa, but he does not fear that Somalia’s opposition will become an obstacle.
“We know that Hassan Sheikh and his team have been trying to get the MoU rejected by going to different countries and different partners. But I don’t think there is any chance that they will be able to do that,” said Dr. Essa, who explained to Deutsche Welle that he is not concerned about the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Dr. Essa Kayd says that the Gulf of Aden, where Ethiopia can establish its naval base, has become a dumping ground for illegal byproducts and sludge. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the area is facing many problems including piracy, illegal fishing, and illegal human and wildlife trafficking.
Dr Essa Kayd stated that the Ethiopian Navy has a military base in the Gulf of Aden on the coast of Somaliland and will provide additional guarantees to control and alleviate the problems.
Conclusion: Towards a Brighter Future
As negotiations between Ethiopia and Somaliland inch closer to a potential resolution, the prospect of a naval base agreement and sovereignty recognition holds immense promise for both nations. Beyond the geopolitical ramifications, this agreement has the potential to foster regional stability, economic growth, and enhanced cooperation in the Horn of Africa. As the final chapters of this historic agreement unfold, the world watches with bated breath, anticipating the dawn of a new era in the region.
“We are working to rectify the mistake and restore the recognition of Somaliland,” Dr. Jama Musse explained.
Somaliland is reclaiming the recognition it received 64 years ago when it was liberated from colonial rule. Although this effort faced strong opposition from Somalia, the leaders of Somaliland expressed hope that it would soon succeed. If Ethiopia gives recognition, Somaliland will become the 55th member state of the African Union.
Dr. Jama Musse Jama is a mathematician. Jama holds a PhD in African Studies and compiles a collection of Somali folktales. He wrote various books, including those focusing on Somali traditional and social games.
Although he has been outside of his country for more than three decades, he never wanted to be labelled as “diaspora”. Jama, the executive director of the Hargeysa Cultural Center, is one of the leaders pushing for Somaliland to gain international recognition again.
“Before colonialists came to the Horn of Africa and Africa in general, the Somali people did not have an administrative unity,” says Dr. Jama.
The land where Somalis live began to be divided into five “when colonialists came and conquered Africa in 1884.” Formerly known as “French Somaliland”, Djibouti, areas inhabited by Somalis and annexed to Ethiopia and Kenya, “Italian Somalia” and “British Somaliland” were created by European colonialists in Berlin.
Today’s Somaliland was the forerunner when the Somalis were freed from the colonial rule. “We were liberated on June 26, 1960. We are the 12th country to be freed from all African countries,” said Mohamed Warsame Duale, a former colleague of the United Nations, proudly saying, “We got our independence before Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and most other countries.”
On July 1, 1960, “Italian Somaliland” was liberated from colonial rule. “British Somaliland” and “Italian Somaliland” merged in 1960 to form the Republic of Somalia. Aden Abdul Osman Dar, nicknamed Aden Ade, was the first president of the Republic of Somalia and the government was established.
The union of the two was also involved in the formation of “Greater Somalia” by bringing together the five territories of Somalia that were divided due to colonialism. “There was no Somalia and Somaliland project. It is a project started to return the land of the Somali people,” said Dr. Jama, adding that it was expected that Djibouti, as well as the areas where Somalis live, would be included in Ethiopia and Kenya.
“Somaliland’s desire was to bring together all the Somali people. But this is a feeling that disappeared in a short time,” said Dr. Jama, explaining that the contemporary Somaliland leaders wanted to leave in 1961, less than a year after they realized that “that plan was not working on their own.”
Formerly known as “French Somaliland”, Djibouti, located just outside of Bab El Mandeb, had to wait until June 27, 1977 to break free from its European colonial rule. But it refused to join the Somali Republic.
The second president of the Somali Republic, Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, was assassinated and General Siad Barre took power in a coup d’état in 1969. An insurgency against Siad Barre, the Somali National Movement, emerged in Somaliland in the 1980s.
In August 1991, the Somali National Movement and other rebel groups ousted Barre from power. In May of the same year, the Republic of Somaliland, with its capital in Hargeysa, declared its independence.
“Somaliland did not gain independence in 1991. Somaliland became a recognized independent African country on 26th June 1960 and now reclaims re-recognition after 64 years,” emphasizes Dr. Jama. It was not easy to regain the recognition of Somaliland as a country. “We are working to rectify the mistake and restore the recognition of Somaliland,” Jama explained.
Somaliland has a constitution approved by popular vote, although it is not internationally recognized. The government headed by President Muuse Bihi Abdi has 26 offices organized at the ministerial level. It issues its own passports to its citizens; It holds elections, it has currency.
Mohamed Warsame, a former adviser to President Muuse Bihi Abdi and now the leader of the opposition party, argues that “we have met all the conditions to be a member of the League of Nations.” They believe that the fact that Somaliland can be called “a land of stability in an unstable and violent region” makes it better than a troubled region.
Mohamed Warsame, who has been declared by the United Nations and the international community to be free and fair, is the one who is presenting Somaliland as supporting evidence for international recognition.
Somaliland’s efforts to regain the recognition it received 64 years ago have gained momentum in the last four months or so. The revival was caused by the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muuse Bihi Abdi.
Dr. Mohamed Farah, director of Hargeysa-based Peace and Development Academy
The path chosen by Abiye and Muuse Bihi Abdi will meet challenges to achieve what Ethiopia and Somaliland wished so easily. Egypt and Turkey sided with Somalia after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The United States, the European Union and the Arab League have expressed their concern.
But the fear from the international community is not “reasonable” for Dr. Ahmed Farah, the director of the Peace and Development Academy based in Hargeysa. “Somaliland has the right to recognition under international law. Ethiopia also has the right to recognize Somaliland separately,” said Dr. Mohamed.
Somalia does not recognize the sovereignty of Somaliland and has also been condemning the international agreements Somaliland makes separately. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government has protested the MoU as “a violation and invasion of Somalia’s sovereignty, independence and unity.”
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, “No one will surrender the Somali state for a single word.”
Dr. Mohamed, who says “Somalia is at war with al-Shabaab,” is of the position that “it cannot be at war with Ethiopia.” For this, the Ethiopian soldiers said, “Currently, the Somali people from al-Shabaab; They argue that they are in Somalia, protecting the Somali government from collapse and crisis.
Even the threat of a “hand-to-hand war” is not easy for Dr. Ahmed. According to Dr. Ahmed, “There is no reliable security partner that can protect Somalia’s sovereignty from Ethiopia.”
Somaliland and Ethiopia are expected to sign the final agreement in about two months despite growing opposition, Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Issa Kaid told Deutsche Welle.
Like Ethiopia, the full document of the Memorandum of Understanding has not been made public in Somaliland. The first vice-chairman of the opposition Barwako political party, Mubarik Albdullahi, told Deutsche Welle that the agreement signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland must be approved by parliament according to the law.
Mubarak believes that the final goal should be for Somaliland to gain international recognition and become a member of the United Nations. For this, the government of President Moses Bihi Abdi needs to convince the parliament.
“If the government of Somaliland can convince the opposition, the people and the parliament that this memorandum of understanding and the subsequent agreement will serve the interests of the country, I don’t see any major obstacles blocking the way,” Mubarik said.
“We support him. I can’t say that we are against it,” said Mubarik Abdullahi, explaining that it is necessary to know the content of the final agreement to take a stand.
Deutsche Welle has learned that the government of Somaliland has started to hold discussions with stakeholders on the documents it has prepared for negotiations with Ethiopia. From the Ethiopian side, nothing is officially known about the process. Mohamed Warsame expressed his hope that “if Ethiopia leads the way, we will become the 55th member country of the African Union.”
The international community—including the US Government, UK, EU, Arab Gulf states, the UN, and other agencies—has contributed to several issues in Somalia and Somaliland that have led to regional instability. A significant example is the conflict in Lascanod, a city in the eastern region of Somaliland near Puntland.
Additionally, the international community’s failure to address the ongoing issues between Somaliland and Somalia has exacerbated disputes over control of the airspace shared by both countries, including revenue generated from it. Despite agreement that both Somaliland and Somalia share the revenue gained from the air space.Somalia has never distributed any portion of this revenue to Somaliland, further straining relations and contributing to regional instability.
Over the past 14 years, successive Somalia presidents have formed the Somalia National Army by recruiting and training clan-based militias. These forces have been used to oppress or fight against opposing clans or tribes, as seen in Jubaland and South Somalia.
In the Lascanod conflict, Somalia soldiers trained by Eritrea, and the US government fought against Somaliland forces. Lascanod had been a peaceful city, and even though the local community had some grievances against Somaliland, the situation was relatively stable. Today, however, Lascanod has become a city where terrorist groups operate, and tribal militias are fighting over control. The Somaliland government has withdrawn its army, leaving a power vacuum that has escalated the chaos.
From 2012 to 2017, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia selected soldiers from various clans, predominantly from the Hawiye tribe, with some from other tribes, for training by Turkey, the USA and Uganda. These soldiers were later deployed to fight against the Biyomaal tribe in Marka, a conflict rooted in disputes over agricultural land.
From 2017 to 2022, former Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo recruited soldiers from his clan for training in Eritrea, the USA, and Turkey, with the intention of deploying them against Somaliland and not against terrorist groups.
This shift in focus has led to significant destabilization in Somaliland, with armed confrontations in Lascanod—a region that had enjoyed relative peace for 32 years. The support from the international community intended to combat terrorism in Somalia has instead been redirected to conflicts against Somaliland or political opposition in Mogadishu.
The same forces have also been used in Mogadishu to suppress political opposition, as seen during protests when President Farmajo refused to hold elections in Somalia. This misuse of international aid and resources has raised concerns about the long-term consequences of training clan-based militias, especially as they have been repurposed for political and territorial conflicts rather than combating terrorism.
The irony is that the international community is indirectly empowering tribal militias within Somalia to fight against each other and against Somaliland, which could lead to wider regional instability.
Hypothetically, if Somaliland becomes destabilized, the cost of restoring stability could be high, given the presence of the Houthis in Yemen, terrorist groups who are based in Puntland, and pirates seeking to establish bases in Somaliland.
Many scholars, politicians, and academics in Somaliland believe the international community’s support for Somalia could lead to a larger conflict if Somalia were to attack Somaliland. The recent conflict in Lascanod is a troubling sign, with Somalia soldiers trained in Eritrea and by the US gov fighting alongside terrorists to destabilize Somaliland.
The debate in Somaliland’s streets revolves around whether to continue relying on support from Western and Arab Gulf countries or to turn towards other nations like Russia, Iran, and China for backing. The current Somaliland government, led by President Musa Bihi, is pro-Western and has ties to Arab Gulf countries. However, this could change if the opposition party gains power and seeks to align with China, possibly offering them a military base in Somaliland. To prevent this, Western and Arab Gulf countries must win the hearts and minds of the people of Somaliland before it’s too late.
In Summary
International support for Somalia, including aid from the US, UK, EU, Arab Gulf states, and the UN, has inadvertently contributed to instability in Somaliland. Although aid was intended to combat terrorism and promote peace in Somalia, successive Somalia presidents have used it to train clan-based militias for personal or tribal gain. This redirection of resources has fueled conflicts like the one in Lascanod, where Somalia-trained forces fought against Somaliland troops.
Instead of stabilizing the region, these actions have led to increased violence, repression of opposition, and growing concerns about wider regional instability. The situation has raised debates in Somaliland about whether to continue relying on Western support or seek alliances with other global powers like Russia or China. The international community’s role in this destabilization could have far-reaching consequences if left unchecked.
