Somalia: Fighting resumes in Las Anod as thousands flee homes

FILE: The fighting enters the 15th day and led to more deaths

LAS ANOD, Somalia - Fighting continued in Las Anod town as local militia engaged the regional troops, witnesses said, even in the middle of calls for a ceasefire from members of the international community and politicians from the federal republic of Somalia.

Witnesses said heavy gunfight was heard in the troubled city For the 15th day in a row with both sides engaged in a fierce gunfight, despite initial agreements for a ceasefire which is yet to be implemented by the actors. The town has been the epicenter of tough battles for the last month with locals pushing to shift their allegiance from Hargeisa to Mogadishu.

The civilian death toll has surpassed 80 according to documents shared by authorities with a majority of them being women and children. A number of members of the security forces have also been killed in the process according to reports from the town.

UN says over 200,000 people fled their houses, some crossed into Ethiopia, the country which is also facing internal squabbles. There are some who have crossed over to neighboring Puntland state for fear of escalation of the conflict which enters the 15th day consecutively.

Over the weekend, the Garhajis community rebuked the violence in Las Anod, which has killed over 70 people, over 500 people have been injured, and more casualties are expected as the fighting continues on several fronts.

"The community has decided not to participate in the peace talks proposed by the President. The community believes that the proposed peace talks need to meet the conditions of traditional peace talks and cannot guarantee that Muse Bihi will respect any peace agreement. In addition, Las Anod is being shelled daily and cannot host any peace talks."

The community now wants Somaliland troops to be withdrawn from the town, noting that humanitarian teams should be given direct access. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the former Somali president, lauded the Garhajis community for the decision to embrace a ceasefire.

"The decisions made by the Garhajis community are a clear example that brotherly communities want to live in peace with each other. I trust that the decisions and recommendations made by the community will provide an opportunity for peace and coexistence among the brothers."

Sheikh Ahmed further asked both parties to down tools for the sake of peace and stability in the country. Last week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisted that the Somaliland region is still part of Somalia but noted he will not use force to push for integration.

GAROWE ONLINE