The self-declared Republic of Somaliland is preparing for what many consider to be a final struggle for control of the city despite international efforts to put a stop to the ongoing conflict in Laascaanood.
An exclusive report seen by Horn Examiner says that the separatist state is expecting a 207-ton shipment of 30,000 Russian-made AK-47s, that is now making its way to Hargeisa. The report additionally says that the origin of the weapons shipment is South Africa.
The city of Laascaanood, has been a source of conflict between Somaliland, a separatist state, and SSC Khatumo. SSC khatumo State is seeking a unionist agenda and opposes secession from the greater Somalia. Khatumo state security officials have managed to drive Somaliland security out of the city, which Somaliland is now attempting to retake.
Sources within Somaliland’s government have confirmed the arms shipment’s impending arrival, with officials insisting on anonymity for the sensitivity of the matter.
It was also revealed that Somaliland initially sought to purchase the arms from Ethiopia, but Addis Ababa declined to facilitate the transaction, citing its commitment to establish itself as a peaceful ally in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia’s decision was made in an effort to improve its reputation and distance itself from past accusations of destabilizing the region, according to three officials with knowledge of the matter.
As Somaliland is not recognized as an independent state and unable to communicate directly with the South African government, the arms purchase had to be facilitated by third parties and lobbyists, sources said.
The consignment, which is anticipated to arrive next week, has alarmed regional players, particularly the African Union and neighboring nations, who see it as a breach of the UN’s arms ban on Somalia.
Somaliland has enjoyed relative stability and autonomy but has failed to achieve recognition as an independent state.
However, the conflict in Laascaanood, situated in the eastern Sool region, has had a negative impact on it’s image at the global arenas, and has dealt a significant blow on its quest for an international recognition.
According to Amnesty International, over 100 people have been killed, and 600 others injured, amid fighting between Somaliland forces and SSC khatumo.
The human rights organization’s recent findings indicate that Somaliland security forces indiscriminately shelled town, damaging hospitals, schools, and mosques, killing and injuring civilians, and displacing tens of thousands of people.
The shipment of arms from South Africa is expected to increase the intensity of the conflict and bolster Somaliland’s military, raising fears of prolonged fighting.
It also brought attention to the ongoing crisis in the Horn of Africa and the challenges of maintaining stability in a region fraught with historical and geopolitical complexities.
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