Somalia: Fighting between Somaliland militias and authorities in Las Anod, Sool Region, is likely to continue through late March /update 2

Event

Fighting between Somaliland militias and authorities in Las Anod, Sool Region, will likely continue through late March. In late February, Somaliland accused neighboring Puntland of waging war against government forces by providing military support to local militias. Somaliland President Muse Bihi also announced to dispatch of clan elders to end the violence in late February. However, leaders of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions rejected the call demanding government forces to pull out their troops as a precondition for dialogue. As of March 1, at least 112 people were reported killed, and hundreds were injured.

Security personnel will almost certainly remain deployed in the area over the coming days. Further confrontations between local militias and the security forces are likely. Officials could impose restrictive movement measures, including curfews and road closures. Additional clashes and resulting casualties could spark unrest.

Context

Somaliland, Somalia's northmost region, declared its independence from Mogadishu in 1991 and although it is not recognized as such, operates autonomously from the Somalian government.

The inter-clan conflicts in SSC regions have gone decades due to the alleged preferential treatment of Isaaq dominated government over the Dhulbahante clan. The recent flare-up in violence in Las Anod can be mainly attributed to the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions' Feb. 6 decision to be administered by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), which the Somaliland government rejected.

Advice

Avoid the impacted location. If further fighting breaks out nearby, immediately take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Plan for lingering disruptions to transport and business. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.