Fighting Flares Between Puntland And Somaliland

Most people are aware of the ongoing fighting between various factions in the Mogadishu area. For example, the latest clashes between Ethiopian troops and "insurgents" (a mix of local clan fighters and Islamists) have left at least 7 dead.

However, in the north, relations between the two quasi-countries of Puntland and Somaliland are deteriorating. Fighting has erupted in Dhahar over the weekened. Control of Dhara is disputed by the two. Somaliland claims that Dhahar, a district in the disputed region of Sanaag, is part of colonial-era “British Somaliland.” Puntland leadership claims the region on the basis of clan relations.

Security forces of the two "countries" have clashed on-and-off over the past few years, as they have jostled for control of border regions.

Which, of course, is just what the Horn of Africa needs; more conflict. It is also unfortunate that this occurred - and that further violence may be in the offing - because both of these "countries" have avoided the same kind of mass violence that has gripped southern Somalia.

(Source: Garwe Online, Map)