Negotiating the Fate of Las Anod Prisoners: A Step Towards Peace in Somaliland

The Somaliland government has announced its readiness to negotiate the fate of prisoners captured during the Las Anod conflict. This move comes nearly a year after the guns fell silent between the Somaliland National Army and the SSC-Khaatumo forces of the Dhulbahante in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region.

Background of the Conflict

The conflict erupted on February 6, 2023, following a violent crackdown on civil protests by Somaliland security forces. Tensions escalated when Garad Jama Garad Ali, the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, declared an intention to secede and reunite with the Federal Government of Somalia. In response, President Muse Bihi launched a prolonged military operation, including artillery bombardment, to subdue Las Anod. However, by August 2023, the Somaliland Army had retreated from the city.

The clashes resulted in over 300 deaths and displaced between 153,000 and 203,000 people. Many fled to Buuhodle and the Ethiopian border externally and to SSC-Khaatumo territories such as Taleh, Hudun, and Buuhodle or Puntland cities like Garowe, Galkacyo, and Burtinle internally. An Amnesty International report documented indiscriminate shelling by Somaliland security forces, which damaged schools, mosques, and hospitals and caused civilian casualties.

Humanitarian Efforts

In late August 2023, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted its first visit to over 300 detainees in Las Anod, ensuring humane treatment and communication with their families. The ICRC also facilitated the transfer of four wounded prisoners to Qaran Hospital in Garowe for specialized treatment and the release of two detainees from Las Anod to Hargeisa in a humanitarian operation. Senior UN officials have called for a prisoner swap to further the peace process.

Government's Stance on Negotiations

Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, Somaliland’s Minister of Interior, expressed the government's willingness to engage in peaceful, unconditional discussions regarding the prisoners. “The Somaliland government is in a good position regarding these prisoners and is always ready for peaceful, unconditional discussions on this matter,” Ahmed told BBC Somali.

While negotiations have commenced, Ahmed noted that specifying a resolution timeline is currently impossible. Despite the challenges, the announcement marks a significant step towards peace and reconciliation.

Historical Context

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 within the borders of the former British Somaliland. However, the Dhulbahante clan, primarily from the Sool, Sanaag, and Buuhoodle regions, opposed the secession and boycotted Somaliland elections in protest. In 2003, the unionist Puntland state took control of Las Anod, only for the Somaliland army to seize control in 2007, leading to significant unrest and violence.

On June 7, 2023, the UN Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of Somaliland security forces. The conflict has drawn international attention, with various organizations urging a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights.

Moving Forward

Somaliland's Commander Nuh Ismail Tani has vowed to retake the contested Sool region as recently as mid-May. However, the current move towards negotiation and potential prisoner swaps indicates a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. As the international community watches closely, the progress of these talks could set a precedent for resolving long-standing conflicts in the region.

For further updates on this evolving situation, stay tuned to Maanta Media.