Since February 6, the disputed city of Las Anod has been the site of fighting between forces in the self-declared state of Somaliland and local militia from the Dhulbahante clan in northern Somalia. The city, located between Somaliland and Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in Somalia’s northeast, is claimed by both regions. According to reports, the death toll stands at 299, with 1,913 injured and over 200,000 displaced since the conflict began.
Somaliland’s forces have retreated approximately 50km (31 miles) westwards from its military base in Tukaraq to military bases on the outskirts of Las Anod, reportedly launching attacks from there. Analysts suggest that the war is denting Somaliland’s campaign for international recognition and causing chaos in a region known for its relative stability compared to Somalia. The international community still regards the region as part of Somalia, despite decades of lobbying by regional officials.
Somaliland sees itself as a successor state to the State of Somaliland, which existed for five days in June 1960 on today’s territory and had relations with 35 countries, including China, Ethiopia, and Israel. On July 1, 1960, the State of Somaliland voluntarily united with the Italian-ruled south to form the Somali Republic. Three decades later, in May 1991, Somaliland declared secession from Somalia, reclaiming the borders of the old British Somaliland protectorate.
The secession came as Somalia’s military government headed by Siad Barre attacked northern cities to crush a rebellion by the Ethiopia-backed Somali National Movement (SNM). Today, Somalia’s federal government consists of five states, including Puntland. Until 2007, when Somaliland seized Las Anod, the city was under Puntland administration.
The conflict has highlighted the importance of the region’s security and stability to the rest of the world. Somaliland’s international partners have consistently shown dismay over Hargeisa’s handling of the conflict and the reported shelling of civilian areas and infrastructure in Las Anod. Human rights activists and organizations have called for a quick de-escalation of the situation and for meaningful negotiations to facilitate a legitimate ceasefire. On April 20, Amnesty International published the findings of its investigation into the ongoing conflict, concluding that Somaliland forces indiscriminately shelled the town, damaged hospitals, schools, and mosques, and displaced tens of thousands of people.
