Somalia-Ethiopia: Somaliland clashes complicate peace prospect

According to sources from the war-torn country of Somalia, the clashes between Puntland and Somaliland have increased to a higher level. Recent conflicts brought accusations from both sides regarding who started the conflict. Security forces from the opposing regions exchanged fire in the disputed Sool region as various regional players took sides.

Tensions remain after battles near Las Anod, the capital of Sool region. Most importantly, these events have displayed the complicated clan politics as well as the special case of Somaliland which is seeking independence from the rest of Somalia. After Puntland blamed Somaliland for helping the supporters of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), Somaliland accused Puntland of attempting to use terrorism to gain the support of Ethiopia and Mogadishu governments.

More accusations have mounted as Somaliland claimed that the Puntland militias are assisting the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) against Ethiopia. According to officials from Somaliland, Puntland is secretly arming and allowing shipments of weapons to be transferred towards the separatist ONLF rebels. Somaliland broke away from the rest of Somalia in 1991, and has been seeking recognition by the United Nations.

Most of the accusations going back and forth are likely political maneuvers rather than concrete facts on the ground.

Some analysts say Somaliland does not want stability in Mogadishu but without a proper referendum it is highly improbable that Somaliland can gain recognition. Yet with the transitional government in Mogadishu being dominated by Puntland supporters, Somaliland does not expect neutrality and negotiation to come from Mogadishu TFG officials.

Source: Jimma Times