Somaliland: another colonial border causing conflict in Africa

Several British politicians have been linked to an oil deal in Somaliland, embarrassing the Tory party. UK oil company Genel Energy, whose deputy chair is ex-defence minister Michael Fallon, is set to start drilling in Somaliland next year. Meanwhile, a former MP, continues to press the UK government to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

Intriguing piece by Phil Miller about the power dynamics that are at play in Somaliland, and the geostrategic implications. At stake, of course, are oil and water.

Like the rest of the world, Britain does not officially recognise Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991. But it has provided training and equipment for their security forces – including some units implicated in killing civilians in Las Anod.

That city is populated by the Dhulbahante clan which rose up against Somaliland authorities in December. The rebel movement, known as SSC-Khaatumo, wants to re-join Somalia.

What began as peaceful protests quickly escalated into all out conflict after demonstrators were shot dead. Somaliland forces then shelled the city from the surrounding hills, while the SSC controlled urban areas including the hospital.

MORE >> Gavin Williamson kept lobbying for Somaliland amid civil war.