BREAKING: Leaders of the Ga’an Libaah militia have publicly agreed to cease their military activities following mediation by clan elders. The clan elders, notably from the Garhajis community, relayed the significant turn of events through a video statement.
Hargeisa, Somaliland, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
“Earlier today, you heard bad news. But now, we offer good news. From this moment forward, there will no longer be anyone operating under the banner of the Ga’an Libaah militia. They have accepted the counsel of their people and have quelled the tension that plagued the nation,” stated the clan elders of Garhajis.
This development comes after a delegation of Garhajis elders, including Sultan Adde Gude, extended their advice to the militia’s leadership. Responding to the intervention, a person claiming to be the militia leader expressed their intent to return stolen vehicles to the clan elders and voiced a newfound commitment to peace. “We accepted the advice to end the fighting, and we will hand over the vehicles that are not ours. As for those using the militia’s name to perpetrate violence, it is up to them, their families, and the government [of Somaliland] to deal with the consequences,” he clarified.
Distancing from vehicle hijacking in Bur’o
Despite the hopeful overtures, scepticism remains. The announcement was rather serendipitously timed, coinciding with a separate incident in which individuals allegedly associated with Ga’an Libaah hijacked two government vehicles in the Bur’o (Burco, Burao) district of Somaliland.
Oofwareen, who identifies as the leader of those who surrendered, was quick to distance his group from the individuals who hijacked the two vehicles in Bur’o earlier today. “Those individuals aren’t part of the Ga’an Libaah Movement. Somaliland security forces should deal with them. It’s also up to their subclan how they will deal with them,” Oofwareen stated.
Earlier defection attempts
Over 100 Ga’an Libaah recruits attempted defection on Sunday amid Somaliland’s amnesty offer. The incident unfolded in the Sahil region of Somaliland and was captured in a video that has since circulated on social media. In the video, an individual is brandishing an AK-47 assault rifle, ready to stop a truck carrying dozens of men. The scene escalates when the soldier begins firing shots into the air upon seeing the approaching vehicle, clearly attempting to intercept it. As the truck reaches him, he orders the passengers to disembark.
The armed individual then complains that the traditional clan elders, who hold significant influence in the region, align themselves with Somaliland and do not act in the best interests of the Ga’an Libaah Movement. The incident implies that there might be a serious rift within the movement, signalling that not all the militia members will be happy with their leaders’ today decision. These and similar events suggest that the group may end up splintering, with the ‘hard core’ continuing their struggle against the Hargeisa government.
Uncertain future
The cessation of military activities by Ga’an Libaah’s leadership comes as an unexpected relief, especially in the context of existing tensions between the Garhajis and other clans such as Habar Je’lo and Habar Awal. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader ramifications should the Ga’an Libaah militia, or splinter groups thereof, resume hostilities. Such a decision would be especially detrimental in the context of Somaliland’s recent military setback in the conflict against the SSC-Khaatumo administration.
