A new front is emerging in the long-running tensions between Somaliland and Somalia, as clan leaders in Badhan declare their intent to capture the strategic city of Erigavo. With accusations mounting that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is actively orchestrating the conflict, Somaliland’s leadership is preparing for what could become a major military confrontation in the Sanaag region.
Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow, one of Somaliland’s most influential traditional leaders, has directly accused Mohamud of manipulating clan politics under the guise of “democratic reforms.” According to Buurmadow, Mohamud’s real agenda is not promoting democracy but using clan militias to destabilize Somaliland. The Dhulbahante and Warsangali clans, key players in the disputed SSC-Khaatumo movement, have allegedly begun stockpiling weapons, signaling an imminent offensive on Erigavo.
“This is a war project designed in Mogadishu,” Buurmadow declared. “Hassan Sheikh is using the false pretense of elections to justify his interference in Sool and Sanaag, when in reality, he is arming clans and fueling division.”
Erigavo is the capital of Sanaag and one of Somaliland’s most strategic strongholds, with both economic and military significance. Losing control of the city would be a crippling blow to Somaliland’s territorial integrity.
Despite previous ceasefire agreements, clan militias have resumed attacks, prompting Somaliland to reassess its military posture. The SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdiqadir Aw Ali Firdhiye, in contrast, claims the mobilization is a defensive move against Somaliland’s forces, alleging human rights abuses in the region.
With both sides digging in and diplomatic efforts crumbling, the risk of all-out war is growing. The Horn of Africa, already a powder keg of competing interests, cannot afford another destabilizing conflict. Yet, unless external mediators intervene, it appears Mogadishu’s covert push to undermine Somaliland will only escalate further.
The key question remains: Is President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud willing to risk full-scale war to crush Somaliland’s sovereignty? Or is he playing a dangerous game that could backfire on his own administration?
