Somaliland strikes deal with Ga’an Libah rebels to end conflict

The breakaway region of Somaliland has successfully reached an agreement with rebels in the Ga’an Libah Mountains, putting an end to a month-long conflict stemming from an electoral dispute.

This crucial deal, brokered by a committee of traditional elders, stipulates that both political organization elections and the presidential election will take place on the same day, specifically on November 13, 2024.

As part of the agreement, the rebel forces have committed to disbanding and surrendering their weapons to the government. In return, the government has pledged to grant amnesty to the rebels and provide compensation to the families of the 10 soldiers who lost their lives in confrontations with government forces.

A statement released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Somaliland on Tuesday affirms the government’s forgiveness of the young men who took up arms in the Ga’an Libah Mountain, effectively closing this chapter.

This accord represents a significant breakthrough in resolving the political crisis in Somaliland. The region has grappled with instability in recent months, including the conflict with the rebel group in Ga’an Libah and clashes in the Sool region, where Somaliland suffered significant losses to SSC-Khatumo militia forces in Las Anod.