By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin
In the heart of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, the town of Da’awalley has become synonymous with tragedy. The recent massacre, allegedly orchestrated by the Liyuu Police—a regional paramilitary force—has left a trail of devastation, with Isaaq clan civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Homes reduced to ashes, businesses looted, and lives brutally extinguished; the scars of this atrocity run deep.
The Somali Region, a complex tapestry of clans, has long been a cauldron of simmering tensions. The Isaaq and Darood clans, in particular, share a history marred by rivalry and competition. The Liyuu Police, established to maintain order, stand accused of exacerbating these divides, with allegations of human rights abuses and partiality. Their purported role in the Da’awalley massacre has ignited a firestorm of outrage and grief.
This tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of regional diplomacy. The Ankara Declaration, a recent accord between Ethiopia and Somalia mediated by Turkey, aimed to address disputes over Ethiopia’s access to the sea and its relations with Somaliland. Instead of fostering peace, the agreement has inadvertently fanned the flames of discord, with perceptions of favoritism deepening existing animosities.
Somaliland, with a predominantly Isaaq population, views the massacre as an assault on its people. The government’s strong condemnation of the Liyuu Police’s actions underscores the gravity of the situation. Such incidents threaten to unravel the fabric of diplomatic and economic relations between Somaliland and Ethiopia, casting a long shadow over regional stability.
In the wake of this calamity, the path forward demands a delicate balance of diplomacy and justice. Somaliland must engage in direct dialogue with Ethiopia, advocating for a transparent investigation and accountability for the perpetrators. International human rights organizations should be mobilized to shine a light on these atrocities, applying pressure for reform and oversight. Humanitarian aid to the victims, coupled with efforts to foster inter-clan dialogue, are essential steps toward healing and reconciliation.
The Da’awalley massacre is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in regions fraught with historical grievances and complex clan dynamics. It calls for a concerted effort to address the root causes of such violence, ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies and to pave the way for a more harmonious future.
