Somaliland has tightened its grip on Erigavo, deploying new security measures to prevent further escalation following recent clashes that have displaced 45,000 people. The government’s crackdown comes after Dhulbahante and Warsangali clan leaders openly declared plans to seize the city, heightening fears of renewed violence.
A high-level Somaliland delegation visited the contested region, enforcing a strict disarmament order: all armed groups must vacate Erigavo immediately, and only police forces will be allowed to maintain security. Officials have warned that any unauthorized individual carrying a firearm will face legal action.
The move is a direct response to the rising threat posed by SSC-Khaatumo fighters, who have gained momentum following a clan conference in Badhan. Somaliland traditional leader Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow has accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of fueling the unrest, alleging that Mogadishu is exploiting the “one-person, one-vote” election rhetoric to interfere in Somaliland’s affairs.
As Erigavo becomes a flashpoint for power struggles, Somaliland’s government urges displaced residents to return, insisting that security has been restored. However, tensions remain high, with thousands still seeking refuge in nearby towns such as El Afweyn, Lasqoray, and Bosaso.
This crisis is no longer just a regional skirmish—it is rapidly evolving into a proxy battleground for Somali political factions. With Somaliland reinforcing its territorial control and Mogadishu-aligned forces pushing for a foothold, the risk of a full-scale confrontation in Sanaag has never been greater.
