Somalia: Fighting in Las Anod, Sool Region, likely to continue through April /update 3

Event

Fighting between Somaliland militias and authorities in Las Anod, Sool Region, will likely continue through April. Fresh clashes were reported near the town on March 31 and April 1. Information regarding casualties during the most recent confrontations is unclear. The fighting since February has left hundreds of people dead; tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

Security personnel will almost certainly remain deployed in the area over the coming weeks. Further confrontations between local militias and the security forces are likely. Officials could impose restrictive movement measures, including curfews and road closures. Water, power, and food supply disruptions are possible during any further engagements. Conflict-related protests could also occur in Las Anod or nearby towns. Confrontations between forces of Somaliland and Puntland are possible along the shared and disputed border region.

Context

Somaliland, Somalia's northmost region, declared its independence from Mogadishu in 1991 and, although it is not recognized as such, operates autonomously from the Somalian government. In February, officials associated with the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions declared they would be administered by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS); the Somaliland government rejected the decision. Fighting erupted thereafter. The fighting comes amid the backdrop of persistent tensions between Somaliland and Puntland.

Advice

Consider avoiding the conflict zones until the situation stabilizes. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.