At least 145 people have been killed in the last two months of fighting between anti-government fighters and Somaliland security forces in the disputed city of Las-Anod, according to Abdimajid Sugulle, the director of the public hospital in the city. More than 1,080 other people have been wounded, and over 100,000 families have fled the city since late December. The conflict erupted when an unidentified gunman killed a popular young politician in Somaliland’s opposition party as he left a mosque, leading to protests against Somaliland officials and forces in the city.
The conflict in Las-Anod is part of a broader historical dispute between Somaliland and Somalia. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a long and bloody civil war, but it has yet to receive international recognition as an independent country. The dispute between the two sides has led to several military confrontations, including the current conflict in Las-Anod.
One potential complicating factor in the conflict is the involvement of external actors. The UN has warned that the al-Shabab extremist group, which is affiliated with al-Qaida, has supported some of the attacks in Las-Anod. The involvement of this group, as well as other external “Players’’ such as neighbouring countries or international organizations, could complicate efforts to resolve the conflict.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict has been significant, with over 100,000 families fleeing the city since late December. Displaced persons face significant challenges, including a lack of access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. Additionally, the conflict has led to the destruction of medical facilities and the targeting of medical personnel, which has further complicated efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict.
Despite these challenges, there are some signs of hope for a resolution to the conflict. The UN has called for respect for medical workers and unhindered humanitarian access, and has expressed support for efforts to bring an end to the violence. Additionally, there have been some recent attempts at negotiations between the opposing sides. For example, Somaliland declared a cease-fire on February 10, and there have been reports of some preliminary discussions between Somaliland officials and the elders of the city.
To achieve a lasting peace in Las-Anod, however, there will need to be a sustained effort to address the underlying causes of the conflict. One potential avenue for this is through an examination of the historical background of the dispute between Somaliland and Somalia. This could involve a discussion of the reasons for the separation between the two sides, as well as the events that have led to the current conflict in Las-Anod.
Another key factor in achieving a lasting peace will be the involvement of external actors. Given the potential role of external actors in the conflict, it will be important to ensure that all parties are committed to a peaceful resolution and that there is an effort to avoid outside interference that could further complicate the situation.
Efforts to address the humanitarian impact of the conflict will be critical in any attempt to achieve lasting peace. This will require a focus on providing basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare to those affected by the conflict, as well as a concerted effort to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure in the city.
The conflict in Las-Anod is a complex and multi-faceted issue that will require a sustained effort to resolve. However, with a focus on addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, the involvement of all parties committed to a peaceful resolution, and a concerted effort to address the humanitarian impact of the conflict, there is hope for a lasting peace in the city.
Image Credit: Reuters
