In a significant move toward bolstering national unity and enhancing security, the Somaliland government has initiated the integration of clan-based militia units into its national armed forces. This process began with the formal incorporation of the first and second batches of local tribal militia units in Erigavo, Sanaag region, a ceremony presided over by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi. The integration aligns with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro’s commitment to unifying civilian militias under the national defense framework.
The Vice President emphasized that this integration lays the foundation for enduring peace and stability in the region. He urged intellectuals and community leaders in Sanaag to support the assimilation of remaining militia groups, highlighting the government’s dedication to consolidating security forces.
As part of this initiative, the government has acquired vehicles and weapons from clan militia forces in the Sanaag region. Militia members have been dispatched to training camps to undergo military instruction before their full integration into Somaliland’s security apparatus. Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali stated that government forces have assumed control of all former militia positions, with vehicles repainted with the national emblem and redeployed accordingly. This effort aims to stabilize eastern Somaliland by disarming local residents and promoting peaceful settlements.
The integration process involves militias such as the SSB (Sool, Sanaag, Buhoodle) Civil Force, a paramilitary group operating in the Sool, Sanaag, and Togdheer regions. Formed in October 2023, the SSB has been engaged in counterinsurgency operations and has now begun formal integration into the national army. While this move is seen as a step toward unity, some local concerns persist regarding autonomy and representation within the central command.
This integration strategy reflects a broader governmental effort to consolidate various clan-based militias into a unified national force, thereby reducing inter-clan rivalries and enhancing overall security. Historically, Somaliland has absorbed pre-existing clan militias into a centralized military structure, a practice that continues to play a crucial role in maintaining stability and preventing inter-clan violence.
By integrating these militias, the Somaliland government aims to create a more cohesive and effective security apparatus, fostering national unity and ensuring long-term peace and development in the region.