Tensions flare: Yesterday, violent clashes erupted between the SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland clan militias in the Ayn (Cayn) region and Erigavo (Ceerigaabo) in the Sanaag region, raising concerns about the potential outbreak of another round of conflict between SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland.
Ayn and Sanaag regions, SSC, SOMALIA.
The fighting in Ayn revolved around disputes over land between Habar Je’lo and Dhulbahante clans and spread to various towns, including Kalshaale, Hagoogane, Maskah Buqle, and the outskirts of Megasagle. Tragically, at least ten people have lost their lives in the fighting, primarily in the Maskah Bugle area, with several others sustaining injuries.
One of the videos circulating on social media allegedly displays the arrest of a member of the Habar Je’lo militia, captured by the SSC-Khaatumo forces in Qorilugud.
These clashes mark the first outbreak of violence since 25 August 2023, when SSC-Khaatumo defeated Somaliland forces in Gooja’adde and reclaimed territories in Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn. Reports indicate that Somaliland has been mobilising armed clan militias in the past six weeks and preparing to attack the SSC regions.
In Erigavo, the conflict occurred between Somaliland forces and civilians sympathising with SSC-Khaatumo. It was a skirmish, with Somaliland’s security forces claiming they were combatting the influx of illegal substances (such as alcohol) into the city as their reason for the attack. However, many believe Somaliland intended to expand the conflict with SSC-Khaatumo by engaging the city’s residents.
SSC-Khaatumo leader in Mogadishu
The recent developments coincide with the visit of the leader of SSC-Khaatumo, Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali ‘Firdhiye’, to Mogadishu. Firdhiye received an official invitation from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) last week. It seems that the self-declared state of Somaliland has escalated the hostilities in order to reduce focus on the SSC-Khaatumo leader’s visit to Mogadishu.
The visit is a significant milestone for the people of SSC-Khaatumo, who have long awaited their own administration representing their interests. Leader Firdhiye recently urged the government in Mogadishu to safeguard Somalia’s unity and sovereignty at a dinner his administration organised for an FGS parliamentary delegation. He emphasised the sacrifices people of SSC regions made in this regard.
Signs of a larger conflict
If the administration of Somaliland fails to exercise restraint, the situation risks spiralling into an all-out war. Given that Somaliland has already suffered significant losses of military hardware and personnel during the eight-month-long conflict, the government in Hargeisa faces the possibility of losing further territory to SSC-Khaatumo, which appears to be in a comparatively better position.
