The SSC-Khaatumo administration addressed provocations, expressed gratitude to the international community for its unwavering commitment to promoting peace and stability, and asserted its right to self-defence amid reports about Somaliland’s preparations to reignite the violence. Recent developments in the region have raised serious concerns.
Las Anod, Sool region, SSC, SOMALIA.
On 14 October, the President of the self-declared state of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, delivered a public address calling for immediate clan warfare from Erigavo (Ceerigaabo) to Buuhoodle. These provocative and divisive statements raised concerns with the SSC-Khaatumo representatives, posing a significant risk to regional peace and stability.
Recognizing the crucial role the international community could play in preventing the escalation of the conflict, the SSC-Khaatumo appealed to international partners to contribute to safeguarding the lives and well-being of the civilian population in the region. The administration acknowledged the UN Security Council Press Release (SC/15436) from 10 October. It highlighted grave violations of international law in Somalia, explicitly mentioning the situation in Las Anod.
According to the UN, these violations have involved the deliberate targeting of civilians, including women and children, during armed conflict. Such acts encompassed killing, maiming, sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, abduction, and forced displacement.
The right to self-defence
Analysts warn that Muse Bihi’s speech can potentially exacerbate clan-based conflicts in the region. It could also endanger the accessibility and delivery of humanitarian aid. The SSC-Khaatumo administration, therefore, urgently calls upon the international community to actively engage and contribute to preventing further hostilities and protecting civilian lives.
Furthermore, it is crucial to emphasize that SSC-Khaatumo reserves the right to anticipatory self-defence in the face of an imminent attack by Somaliland. The administration remains dedicated to defending the safety and security of its people.
Weapons for tribal militias
In addition to Muse Bihi’s remarks, more evidence of Somaliland’s preparations for a tribal conflict emerges. Several sources have reported that the Somaliland army provided guns and ammunition to the tribal army in the Togdheer region’s Qorilugud village, indicating their readiness to attack Buuhoodle.
Analysts suggest that the self-proclaimed state might be waiting for the Puntland elections. It probably hopes that SSC-Khaatumo will be weakened by Puntland’s internal struggles and unprepared for the attack.
