Mogadishu: As Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Barre, prepares for his first visit to the contested city of Las Anod, the political temperature in the region has reached a boiling point. The visit, expected to take place in the coming days, has sparked a wave of opposition, particularly from Somaliland, which has long asserted its claim over the Sool region, including Las Anod.

A Visit Amid Controversy

Prime Minister Barre’s trip to Las Anod comes at a time when tensions between Somalia and Somaliland are already high. The Sool region, which includes Las Anod, has been at the heart of a longstanding territorial dispute. While Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it has yet to gain widespread international recognition. The Somali government continues to claim sovereignty over the region, and Barre’s visit is viewed by many as an attempt to reassert control in an area that remains a hotbed of political and ethnic friction.

Somaliland’s Strong Opposition

Somaliland’s government has reacted swiftly to the news of the visit. The Somaliland parliament issued a statement condemning the planned trip, arguing that it represents an infringement on their territorial integrity. The parliament emphasized that such a visit would only serve to inflame tensions and further destabilize an already fragile region. Somaliland’s leaders have been vocal in their opposition to any efforts by Somalia to impose its authority over the region, which they consider to be an independent state with its own functioning government, military, and institutions.

Moreover, some reports indicate that Somaliland authorities have warned of severe consequences if Barre proceeds with his visit. The rhetoric from Somaliland has raised concerns about the potential for violence and instability in the region, particularly given the history of armed confrontations between Somaliland forces and Somali government troops in disputed territories. While such threats should not be taken lightly, it’s clear that Somaliland views this visit as an existential challenge to its hard-won independence.

The Impact on the SSC-Khaatumo Region

The situation is further complicated by the concerns of the SSC-Khaatumo, a group of clans in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions, who are seeking greater autonomy within Somalia. While their position is distinct from that of Somaliland, the SSC-Khaatumo leadership has expressed reservations about the visit as well. They fear that Barre’s trip could lead to increased instability in a region where their aspirations for self-governance are already at odds with both Somaliland and the central government in Mogadishu.

While some might argue that Somalia’s visit could be seen as a diplomatic move to assert its presence in the region, the reality is that such actions tend to exacerbate the already fragile political balance. The SSC-Khaatumo region, caught between the competing claims of Somalia and Somaliland, is particularly vulnerable to any actions that undermine its quest for peace and political autonomy.

International Concerns and the Path Forward

The escalating tensions surrounding Prime Minister Barre’s planned visit have drawn concern from the international community, including the African Union and the United Nations. Both organizations have called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, urging all parties to exercise restraint. However, with Somaliland standing firm in its position and Somalia determined to assert its claims, the likelihood of a peaceful resolution seems distant.

The situation underscores the complexity of the political landscape in the Horn of Africa. While Somalia’s government has every right to pursue its territorial interests, it must also recognize the aspirations and realities of the people living in the contested areas. Somaliland’s government, on the other hand, remains unwavering in its belief that its independence should be respected, especially in light of the progress it has made in establishing a stable and functioning state over the past few decades.

In the coming days, as Prime Minister Barre moves forward with his visit, the international community must remain vigilant in urging both sides to avoid escalating tensions. The consequences of a miscalculation could be disastrous, not only for the people of Las Anod but for the broader region. Finding a path to lasting peace and stability in the Sool region will require dialogue, mutual respect, and a recognition of the complex political realities on the ground. (more…)