For three decades, the peace project known as “Somaliland” has been portrayed as a beacon of stability in the Horn of Africa. However, beneath the surface lies a complex tapestry of lies, tribal power dynamics, and international complicity that has shaped the region’s political landscape. At the centre of this narrative is the Isaaq clan, which has maintained a firm grip on power, often at the expense of other tribes, who are the majority, in northern Somalia.
The origins of “Somaliland’s peace project can be traced back to a fragile agreement back 1991, aimed at unifying a war-torn region. Yet, this pact has been increasingly viewed with scepticism, particularly by the Dhulbahante and other tribes who feel marginalized. Reports indicate that the Isaaq clan has forged secretive alliances with Ethiopia, which has allegedly trained and armed Isaaq militias under the guise of establishing a legitimate army and police force. This has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the so-called “Somaliland” governance and its adherence to international law.
The role of foreign powers, particularly the UK, can not be overlooked. The training of tribal militias, such as the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), has been criticized for perpetuating a culture of oppression and violence against dissenting voices. The RRU has been implicated in acts of torture and suppression against those who oppose the ruling regime, highlighting the troubling intersection of local tribal politics and international interests.
While the Isaaq-led government has worked diligently to present a unified front, the reality is that the majority of northern tribes have remained detached from the political machinations that define the so-called “Somaliland” peace project. Many were unaware of the underlying intentions of Ethiopia, which seemingly seeks to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. Recent events, particularly the tragic genocide in Lascanood, have acted as a catalyst for change, galvanizing the Dhulbahante tribe to take a stand against what they perceive as an apartheid regime.
On August 23, 2023, the Dhulbahante successfully liberated their region from the rule of Hargeisa, a significant turning point in the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition. Yet, this raises critical questions about the remaining tribes, such as the Gadabours, Issa, and Warsangeli. Why do they continue to tolerate the oppressive regime in Hargeisa, especially when it is clear that the upcoming elections lack legitimacy due to the exclusion of significant portions of the population?
The ongoing injustices in the so-called “Somaliland” are palpable. The recent imprisonment and torture of Mohamed Abib, an elected parliamentarian, alongside the brutal treatment of women protesting for justice, or Mrs Safia Tusmo business centre where an estimate 2 million dollars were destroyed, serve as stark reminders of the regime’s authoritarian nature. These incidents reveal a troubling pattern of oppression that challenges the narrative of peace and stability that the so-called “Somaliland” regime seeks to project to the international community.
As the people of Awdal and other regions witness these events unfold, the question remains: will they rise against the injustices perpetuated by the ruling regime, or will they continue to be swayed by a few mercenaries acting in the interests of the Isaaq and Ethiopia? The time for action is now. It is essential for the people of the North regions of Somalia to unite against the apartheid regime and demand a future where justice, equality, and true representation reign.
By PROF. BURAALE XINIIN
