Ethnic clashes in Somaliland escalate, raising fears of bursting into a full-scale civil war. Today’s outbreak of violence occurred in Ali Sahid (Cali Saahid), south of the city of Bur’o (Burco, Burao). The members of the Isse Muse subclan of the Habar Awal, the clan of Somaliland President Muse Bihi, clashed with the Habar Yoonis subclan of the Garhajis group of clans.
Ali Sahid, Togdheer region, Somaliland, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
The roots of the current crisis surround the Ga’an Libaah Movement, a rebel faction that has been actively opposing the government in Hargeisa. Despite numerous attempts by clan elders of the Garhajis to negotiate a peaceful resolution and end the Ga’an Libaah insurgency, the movement has continued to gain momentum, scoring several significant victories recently.
The conflict is no longer limited to the vicinity of the Ga’an Libaah mountain range, where it originated. Tensions have also flared in El Afweyn, a historical town in the Sanaag region of Somaliland. The current hostilities in the Togdheer region are further complicating the situation.
Today’s clashes are part of a renewed push against the Garhajis militia by the so-called Jeegaan alliance, a coalition of the Habar Je’lo and Habar Awal clans. The Jeegaan alliance’s involvement in the conflict underscores the complex web of allegiances and rivalries that have plagued Somaliland for years.
Also today, alleged members of the Ga’an Libaah militia hijacked two vehicles belonging to the Somaliland government in the centre of Bur’o. Videos capturing the hijacking circulated on social media.
Habar Je’lo militia formed against Ga’an Libaah
Last week, the Habar Je’lo subclan, a prominent segment of the larger Isaaq family, formed a militia in response to the Ga’an Libaah Movement. The move followed an incident in which the Ga’an Libaah militia hijacked a vehicle belonging to Somaliland’s Ministry of Water in the remote area of Dhoqoshay.
As the incident occurred in an area primarily inhabited by the Habar Je’lo subclan, its members swiftly mobilized the community. According to Bakayle media, the clan elders announced their intention to form a militia to confront the Ga’an Libaah.
In recent weeks, elders from the Habar Je’lo subclan led efforts to mediate and end hostilities between Ga’an Libaah and the Somaliland government. These efforts were viewed as a means to unite the Isaaq clan, especially after the Somaliland government’s collapse in Gooja’adde on 25 August. The blunder resulted in a significant loss of equipment and personnel on the side of Somaliland’s army.
