The Somaliland government has launched a bold initiative to restore order in the volatile city of Erigavo. A high-level delegation, headed by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, is on the ground to spearhead efforts aimed at nationalizing civilian forces and bringing an end to the longstanding clan-driven tensions in the Sanaag, Sool, and Togdheer regions.
“We have come to you to restore peace, and everyone is responsible,” Vice President Aw Abdi declared, signaling the government’s firm commitment to resolving the violence that has plagued the region. The government’s message is clear: no more factional militias, no more clan-based violence. The armed forces will take charge of security, with the nationalization of civilian forces being a key step in putting an end to the chaos caused by unregulated militias.
The nationalization announcement aims to integrate clan militias into the formal armed forces, ensuring that those with weapons are brought under the command of a unified Somaliland army. This move is expected to reduce the power of rogue militias and provide a pathway to lasting peace through government control and discipline.
Despite the government’s peace-driven approach, tensions remain high, especially with some traditional leaders in the Sool and Sanaag regions calling for war against Somaliland. Additionally, the SSC-Khaatumo administration, led by Abdiqadir Aw Ali Firdhiye, has declared intentions to invade Erigavo, citing grievances over alleged harassment by Somaliland forces.
However, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has maintained a stance of dialogue, emphasizing that security must come through negotiation and understanding. The government has promised to prioritize peace and is keen to end the suffering of more than 40,000 displaced families who have fled Erigavo in the wake of recent clashes.
As the government pushes for peace and a nationalized military, all eyes will be on how these efforts unfold in the coming months. Can Somaliland reconcile fractured clans and integrate militias under a unified military structure, or will the pressures of local conflicts continue to threaten its stability? Only time will tell, but the move to end the violence in Erigavo marks an important step toward peace and national cohesion.
