Thursday May 2, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland is poised to seek alliances with China, Iran, and Russia if Western support remains insufficient and opposition parties win the upcoming elections, according to a military report from the Somaliland government. Somaliland military analysts say the shift in alliances could be avoided if Western nations engaged more effectively with the people of Somaliland.
The Somaliland report claims increased tensions in the region, particularly in Lasanood, a city controlled by the SSC that have grown stronger following military training and financial support from Somalia.
Somaliland has expressed concerns that the support Western and Arab countries provide to Somalia undermines its security and stability. The government criticizes the international community's backing of Somalia, citing it as a source of regional uncertainty and a direct threat to its security.
The African Union, European Union, and United States have said they recognize Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, including the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Tension has been rising in the Horn of Africa after landlocked Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland on January 1 to grant it access to the sea. Somaliland expects to receive shares in Ethiopia's national carrier in exchange for recognizing the region as an independent state, which enrages Somalia.
-------
Correction Notice
In an article published yesterday about the geopolitical tensions in Somaliland, an error occurred in describing the control of the city of Lasanood. The article incorrectly stated that Lasanood is controlled by terrorist groups. The correct information is that Somaliland recognizes the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) groups as terrorists. We apologize for this misrepresentation and for any confusion caused by our error.