Yeah, the conflict in Laascaanood is a bit of a damper. But the rebels control less maybe 15% of the country’s land area, and ~5% of its population.[1] Further, Somaliland has never really asserted its sovereignty over the city,[2] and it’s not particularly important.[3] It wasn’t clear in Phillips why Somaliland attempted to include the Sool region in their secession from Somalia, as it voted against the constitution in a referendum. This current flare-up is a continuation of the (longer border conflict with Puntland)[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puntland–Somaliland_dispute].
I’m generally confused by this conflict. My main thought, different from what I wrote above, is that it’s an indicator that the Isaaq majority is more willing to assert stronger political authority, weakening the clan-based power sharing structure.
And neither did Puntland: “In many respects, Laasaanood seems to be part of the Puntland state of Somalia. [...] In Garoowe it becomes clear that Laascaanood is perceived as the political periphery and people there are not fully trusted by officials in the capital of Puntland.” (Hoehne, 104)
note that a large portion of Somaliland appears occupied by rebels at the moment. But other than that it has indeed been much more peaceful.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Las_Anod_conflict#:~:text=The%202023%20Las%20Anod%20conflict,violent%20crackdown%20on%20civil%20protests.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somali_Civil_War
Yeah, the conflict in Laascaanood is a bit of a damper. But the rebels control less maybe 15% of the country’s land area, and ~5% of its population.[1] Further, Somaliland has never really asserted its sovereignty over the city,[2] and it’s not particularly important.[3] It wasn’t clear in Phillips why Somaliland attempted to include the Sool region in their secession from Somalia, as it voted against the constitution in a referendum. This current flare-up is a continuation of the (longer border conflict with Puntland)[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puntland–Somaliland_dispute].
I’m generally confused by this conflict. My main thought, different from what I wrote above, is that it’s an indicator that the Isaaq majority is more willing to assert stronger political authority, weakening the clan-based power sharing structure.
These are really rough guesses. Would be happy to see good sources.
And neither did Puntland: “In many respects, Laasaanood seems to be part of the Puntland state of Somalia. [...] In Garoowe it becomes clear that Laascaanood is perceived as the political periphery and people there are not fully trusted by officials in the capital of Puntland.” (Hoehne, 104)
I think it would be the seventh or eighth largest city in Somaliland, in a largely un-urbanized country.