Somalia: Civilian casualties in Las Anod, hit alarming levels - UN Expert

NAIROBI, Kenya - The number of civilian casualties at Las Anod may have hit alarming levels, a United Nations [UN] expert has said, following weeks of skirmishes involving the Somaliland army and members of the Sool liberation group, which is pushing to be governed from Mogadishu instead of Hargeisa.

For the last three weeks, fighting in the region has intensified, with over 70 people killed within days, even as members of the international community called for an immediate ceasefire, but so far, there is no sign of cessation of hostilities.

“We deplore the killing of at least 63 people and more than 363 injured,” said Isha Dyfan, the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia. Citing reports of indiscriminate or deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, she said these attacks were utterly unacceptable and in direct violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law.

“Those responsible must be held accountable,” the UN expert said, calling on the authorities to ensure impartial, effective, and independent investigations into the deaths and injuries.

“I call on all parties involved in the clashes to fully respect their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians,” Dyfan said.

According to the expert, the clashes could worsen in the coming days and possibly cause humanitarian conflict across the Sool region.

President Muse Bihi Abdi had accused Mogadishu and Garowe of engineering the conflict but the two parties have since denied the allegations.

Data collected by the UN shows that at least 200,000 people have been displaced in the intensive fighting with most of them being women and children. The local community has been pushing for the ouster of Somaliland soldiers from the town for the sake of peace.

“I wish to reiterate the call made by international partners for unhindered humanitarian access to urgently address the needs of those displaced and impacted by the violence,” Dyfan said.

The expert urged all parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and resolve their disputes through dialogue. “Failing to do so would be tantamount to denying access to justice and perpetuating impunity,” she said.

GAROWE ONLINE