Monday 16, Dec,2024 {HMC} Fighting erupted Saturday just outside Erigavo, a city at the heart of longstanding tensions in Somalia’s Sanaag region. Local sources report the clashes occurred 10 to 15 kilometres south of the town, marking the latest chapter in a protracted struggle over governance and autonomy.
Yesterday, police forces in Erigavo engaged with local youth aligned with the Khaatumo movement, a faction seeking to establish its own regional administration. The movement’s ambitions challenge Somaliland’s authority, which is rooted in agreements established decades ago to maintain territorial integrity.
By Saturday, parts of Erigavo had reportedly returned to calm, though uncertainty lingered. Social media videos showed military vehicles mounted with heavy weaponry navigating the city streets, fueling fears of escalation. Later footage suggested that normalcy was beginning to return.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” addressed the escalating tensions in his first cabinet meeting since appointing new ministers. Speaking on the security crisis in Sanaag, the president renewed his commitment to reconciliation.
“Once again, the president has called for peace,” said presidential spokesperson Hussein Aden Cige (Deyr). “The government is ready to engage in dialogue with all parties to foster unity and address grievances.”
Despite these calls, the situation remains fraught. Independent sources have yet to confirm casualty figures or the full scale of the clashes.
Erigavo has frequently been a flashpoint for violence. In August 2024, fighting broke out near the Goof settlement, about 40 kilometres from the city, leaving nine people dead. Residents attributed the clashes to an earlier revenge killing in Erigavo.
The broader region has seen even bloodier confrontations. In 2023, Las Anod erupted in violence following the assassination of Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi (Hadraawi), a prominent local figure. The conflict spiralled into a months-long battle between Somaliland’s military and forces loyal to the Khaatumo administration. Hundreds were killed, thousands displaced, and Las Anod suffered widespread destruction.
Beyond its turbulent history, Erigavo stands out for its unique charm. Nestled in the Sanaag region, the city is known for its cool climate, with temperatures dropping as low as 4 degrees Celsius—uncommon in Somali territories.
The city’s fertile lands support vibrant agriculture, while its surrounding mountains, including the famed Deelo and Surad ranges, have inspired Somali poets and singers for generations. Sanaag is also renowned for producing frankincense, a prized commodity with deep cultural and economic significance.
- With files from the BBC Somali Service
