US alarmed by ‘democratic backsliding’ in breakaway Somaliland
Las Anod. Photo by Jethro Norman [Danish Institute for International Studies]
The United States has expressed alarm on the “democratic backsliding” and instability in Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region amid heavy fighting in northern Las Anod city whose leaders want “reunion” with the rest of Somalia.
The US “is increasingly concerned by the continuing violence in Lascanood and joins other international partners and neighbors in calling for de-escalation, adherence to the agreed ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and resumption of constructive dialogue towards peaceful resolution”, the US Department of State said in a statement on Friday.
It warned that the continuation of violence “will increase the potential for extremist groups to sow broader instability and further exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.”
On Friday, local sources reported the resumption of deadly clashes between Somaliland’s forces and pro-Somalia militias on the outskirts of Las Anod town.
For many years, the de facto state of Somaliland has been seen as an island of stability in a conflict-ridden Horn of Africa region.
However, conflict has been brewing for years in Las Anod city — claimed by both Somaliland and semi-autonomous Puntland — over a string of assassinations in the city blamed on Somaliland.
In December last year, the killing Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi “Hadrawi”, a popular young politician in Las Anod, sparked wide anti-Somaliland protests.
Somaliland forces violently dispersed the protesters triggering deadly clashes with defiant local militias which have continued since.
The conflict has worsened since elders from the regions of Sool [where Las Anod is located], Sanaag and Cayn, all of which are claimed by Somaliland, convened in Las Anod, and announced that they were “rejoining” Somalia.
In response to the US statement, Somaliland said it reserved “the right to defend its territorial integrity” describing its army has acting “so with restraint and professionalism.”
The UN said in February that at least 185,000 people had been forced out of their homes as a result of the clashes.
