Mogadishu (Somalistandard) – Diplomats are continuing their efforts to revive the political track in the conflict between Somaliland and the SCC Khatumo forces over control of the disputed town of Laasaanod.
However, there are concerns that the entrenched positions of both sides may hinder the success of these talks.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Laasaanod continues to worsen, with reports of ongoing intense clashes in and around the town.
The violence has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, and the people of Laasaanod are caught in the crossfire, with hundreds of deaths and thousands displaced.
COMPLEX WEBS
The conflict in Laasaanod is a reminder of the complex ethnic and political dynamics that underpin the Somaliland region, and the need for inclusive governance structures that can accommodate diversity and promote peaceful coexistence.” – Abdiweli Haji, a Political Scientist in Hargeisa.
The latest escalation of conflict has also caused concern among regional analysts.
“This is a troubling development,” says Ahmed Hassan, a political analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa.
“The conflict has been simmering for some time, but this recent escalation is a cause for serious concern. If it continues to escalate, it could have serious regional implications.”
The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and the establishment of a ceasefire, but it remains to be seen whether these calls will be heeded.
The conflict over Laasaanod is a long-standing one, with both sides claiming ownership of the strategically important town located in the disputed region of Sool.
The conflict began when a group of armed local militias attacked a police station, killing several officers and seizing control of the town. The armed militias, who are affiliated with the Khaatumo State have then demanded independence for the region.
“The separatist movement in Somaliland has been a source of tension for years,” notes Hassan. “But the recent violence in Laasaanod is a clear sign that tensions are reaching a boiling point.”
The violence has drawn international attention amid diplomatic pressure to bring the warring sides to the negotiating table and reach a peaceful resolution to end the conflict.
However, many are skeptical that talks alone will be enough to bring an end to the violence given that both Somaliland and the clan militias seem to be mire determined to pursue their respective interests, therefore ignoring calls for peace.
THE ORIGUNS OF THE CONFLICT
The roots of the Laasaanod conflict lie in historical disputes over territory and power-sharing arrangements between the different clans and sub-clans in the region.
Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991 and has since established itself as a de facto independent state, sees Sool and other disputed areas as part of its national territory. But the new
clan militias that seized the city declared their independence from Somaliland, calling it to withdraw from the region which they declared has reunited with Somalia.
While the conflict is ostensibly territorial and political in nature, it also has ethnic and economic dimensions, with different clans and communities vying for control over local resources and livelihoods.
The fighting has exacerbated existing fault lines and fuelled new grievances, leading to a dangerous cycle of violence and retribution.
“The war in Laasaanod is a reminder that despite the progress made by Somaliland in building a functional state, there are still deep-seated social, political and economic challenges that need to be addressed.” – Sabir Sheikh, a political Analyst and Consultant.
The fighting has already claimed many lives, displaced thousands, and disrupted essential services, such as health and education.
According to the aid agencies, the humanitarian situation is dire, with many people lacking access to food, clean water, and medical care.
International pressure on both sides has been mounting, with regional leaders urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, these efforts have been met with defiance from the warring parties, who continue to escalate the violence, hence raising the stakes higher.
With no end in sight, diplomats are worried that the situation is rapidly spiraling out of control, and there are fears that the conflict could spread to neighboring regions.
“The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that both sides have deep-seated grievances against each other, which have been simmering for years.” Said Ahmed Hashi, a horn of Africa political analyst.
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