By Araweelo News Network — Associated Online Agencies
HARGEISA (ANN) Somaliland — The Government of Somaliland has accused Djibouti, Turkey and the Federal Government of Somalia of contributing to the conflict and instability in western Somaliland, as authorities briefed lawmakers on the country’s overall security situation.
Somaliland’s Minister of Interior and Security, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, made the remarks during a briefing attended by members of the Somaliland House of Representatives’ Standing Committee.
The minister said the general security situation across Somaliland remains good, while acknowledging growing concerns surrounding developments in the western parts of the country and the reliability of a recent agreement in Geerisa.
According to the minister, the government and the people are cooperating closely, and security institutions continue to maintain stability across most parts of Somaliland.
Government Raises Regional Concerns
The government’s accusations against Djibouti, Turkey and Somalia add a regional dimension to the security situation in western Somaliland.
Officials in Hargeisa have increasingly linked developments in the west to wider political and diplomatic competition involving Somaliland, Somalia and neighboring states. The latest accusations are likely to attract further attention because of the strategic importance of western Somaliland and its proximity to Djibouti.
The government has not, however, publicly provided detailed evidence in the statement explaining the specific role it alleges each of the three governments has played in the conflict.
That distinction is important, particularly as accusations involving neighboring governments can have significant diplomatic consequences.
Controversy Over Police Use of Force
The minister’s appearance before lawmakers also generated a separate political debate after he reportedly referred to a police shooting in the United States while discussing circumstances surrounding the use of force.
The comparison immediately raised questions about whether the example could be interpreted as suggesting that Somaliland police may use lethal force against a citizen who is surrendering or raising their hands.
Such an interpretation would be highly controversial.
The central issue is not whether police officers can ever use lethal force. Law-enforcement personnel in many countries may use deadly force in circumstances involving an imminent threat to life. The critical question is whether the force used is necessary, proportionate and legally justified in the specific circumstances.
A citizen who has surrendered presents a fundamentally different situation from a person who is actively threatening officers or other members of the public.
Questions for the Legislature
The controversy also places responsibility on Somaliland’s legislative institutions to seek clarification when statements concerning police powers could be interpreted broadly.
Lawmakers could ask the Interior Ministry to clarify:
What circumstances permit Somaliland police to use lethal force?
What legal protections exist for citizens who surrender?
How are allegations of excessive force investigated?
Are officers held individually accountable when unlawful force results in death or serious injury?
What independent mechanism exists for citizens to challenge police conduct?
These questions are particularly significant because public confidence in security institutions depends not only on maintaining order, but also on ensuring accountability when state power is exercised.
Security and Accountability
Somaliland’s government says the country’s overall security situation remains stable and that cooperation between the government and the public is strong.
At the same time, the accusations concerning external actors and the controversy surrounding police use of force demonstrate that security policy remains politically sensitive.
For Somaliland, the challenge is therefore twofold: protecting territorial and national security while maintaining public confidence in the rule of law.
Any allegations involving neighboring governments should be supported by verifiable evidence and addressed through appropriate diplomatic and legal channels. Likewise, any use of force by security personnel should be subject to clear legal standards and credible investigation.
The latest parliamentary briefing is therefore likely to fuel further discussion about both Somaliland’s regional security environment and the limits of state power over its citizens.
Araweelo News Network — Associated Online Agencies
Editor’s note: Allegations against Djibouti, Turkey and the Federal Government of Somalia are presented as claims attributed to Somaliland officials. Araweelo News Network // Associated Online Agencieshas not independently established those allegations.