The self-declared state of Somaliland has amassed troops to northern town of Erigavo in the disputed Sinaag region.
The massive deployment in the city’s outskirts comes amid growing anti-government protests. Open sources reports indicate that the state forces have been deployed to quell anti-government protests by local residents demanding self-determination.
Reports from the region also indicate that heavy fighting broke out between Somaliland forces and Col Aare fighters on Wednesday, 10th July 2019 near the Dhoob area. During the clash three Somaliland soldiers and one fighter of Col Aare were killed.
Somalia President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in a statement released on Thursday, 11th July 2019, he called on the warring parties in El-Afweyn area of the Sanaag region to resolve their differences through dialogue and to respect the sanctity of the life.
Farmajo appealed to Somaliland authorities, the local traditional elders, religious leaders, civil society groups, women and youth to use their influence to put an end to the fighting.
Sanaag is a disputed region, claimed by both Somaliland and the Puntland State of Somalia.
