HARGEISA — Somaliland’s administration is facing growing criticism over its handling of renewed tensions between the Issa and Gadabuursi communities in the Awdal and Salal regions, with political groups, civil society figures and local commentators calling for stronger efforts to prevent further violence.
The latest clashes have raised concerns about the effectiveness of previous peace initiatives and ceasefire agreements. Although Somaliland’s traditional elders, particularly the Guurti, have repeatedly intervened to mediate between the communities, the recent violence has renewed questions about whether previous agreements have been properly implemented and enforced.
Critics say the administration has yet to establish a durable mechanism capable of addressing the underlying disputes over land, grazing areas, local administration and security.
Opposition politicians and civil society groups have accused the administration of failing to develop an effective strategy to prevent further bloodshed in western Somaliland. The Ministry of Interior has also come under criticism, with some local analysts arguing that authorities have not done enough to prevent tensions from escalating or to establish effective security arrangements in the affected areas.
The renewed violence has also raised concerns about earlier mediation efforts led by the Somaliland Guurti and traditional elders. In February 2026, the Guurti announced a ceasefire agreement aimed at reducing tensions and creating conditions for a longer-term settlement. Critics, however, argue that the agreement has failed to produce a lasting solution, while unresolved disputes have continued to fuel mistrust between the communities.
The tensions are linked to broader disagreements over land, grazing rights, local authority and control of strategically important areas in Awdal and along the coast, including Lughaya and Zeila. The issue has attracted wider political attention because of Awdal’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to Djibouti and Ethiopia.
Some commentators have also linked the tensions to wider regional geopolitical interests, including competition over coastal access and the strategic importance of Somaliland’s western coastline. Such claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified.
Community elders and other stakeholders have called for a broader peace initiative involving traditional leaders, religious scholars, civil society representatives and political parties. They argue that comprehensive dialogue would be more effective than repeated short-term ceasefires and could address the underlying causes of the conflict.
The renewed tensions have heightened fears that continued violence could lead to further displacement, disrupt trade and livelihoods, and deepen divisions between communities with longstanding social and economic ties.
Observers say the immediate priority should be to secure a durable ceasefire, protect civilians and establish a credible forum where the parties can resolve their disputes through dialogue rather than armed confrontation.
