Hiiraan Online

Las Anod (HOL) - The United Nations is investigating potential violations of the longstanding arms embargo and possible breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL) in the escalating conflict in Las Anod, according to a confidential report. The United Nations Panel of Experts on Somalia recommends sanctions under resolution 1844 (2008) for those found in violation.

The undated report obtained by HOL identifies several prominent actors from the Somaliland Ministry of Defence and the National Army allegedly involved in the hostilities in and around Las Anod. These include Abdiqani Mohamoud Aateye of the Somaliland Ministry of Defence, General Abdi Abdilahi, the operational commander of the National Army, General Faisal Abdi Botan, Commander of the 7th Division and Colonel Ibrahim Ashkir, Commander of the 10th Division.

 

In its initial stages, the probe is evaluating whether weapons and ammunition used in the Las Anod conflict have violated the arms embargo imposed on Somalia. Footage received from Las Anod shows the destruction of civilian buildings from indirect attacks by light and medium mortars and rockets.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the ammunition boxes, rockets, and mortars used may originate from a range of countries, including Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, France, and China. The Panel is currently tracing the chain of custody for these items.

Concerns have been raised over unexploded ordnance (UXO), which poses a significant risk to civilians and may be repurposed by non-state armed groups like Al-Shabaab for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). According to the report, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and demining actors in Somalia do not yet have access to Las Anod.

These continued conflicts, coupled with the reported uncontrolled proliferation of weapons, could undermine the Federal Government of Somalia's (FGS) achievements in weapons and ammunition management, as the Panel questioned Somalia's justification for the proposed lifting of the arms embargo. 

The Panel is also investigating cases of possible violations of IHL and international human rights law (IHRL). Instances of explosive projectiles targeting civilian facilities, such as hospitals and mosques, are under scrutiny. The most notable case involved the alleged shelling of the Regional Hospital of Las Anod by Somaliland forces on February 28, 2023.

To counteract the escalating human toll, the Panel is urging Somaliland authorities to grant access to humanitarian and explosive ordnance disposal teams, including the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Halo Trust. However, access remains obstructed, further escalating the humanitarian crisis and leaving UN personnel unable to provide necessary support and aid.

The six-member Panel has also raised concerns about the potential obstruction of humanitarian assistance and access to health workers. UN personnel have been unable to enter Las Anod or its immediate surroundings. Injured individuals and health workers indicate that the main roads to the town are blocked, requiring detours through mountainous terrain. The unfolding humanitarian disaster has spilled over Somalia's borders, with Ethiopia grappling with an influx of displaced civilians. While Ethiopian delegations have striven to de-escalate the situation, their diplomatic overtures to Somaliland and Dhulbahante officials have yielded no results.

The conflict has had a disastrous impact on the local community, with over 210 deaths and 680 injuries reported as of March 2, 2023. Essential utilities such as water and electricity have been cut off, and schools have been closed, affecting over 15,000 students and 700 teachers.

The most recent flare-up in violence can be traced back to a series of high-profile assassinations, including that of Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi 'Hadrawi,' a rising star in Somaliland's opposition Wadani party, which ignited protests that led to this current conflict. The tipping point came on February 6 when a Dhulbahante committee declared autonomy from the Somaliland government. In response, Somaliland forces shelled the city, causing severe damage to infrastructure and leading to significant civilian casualties.