China’s Footprints in Somaliland Insurgency Emerges

The encounter between the Chinese Representative in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the head of the insurgency in Las Anod fills two needs for the Chinese government: to scare Somaliland by pushing them to disavow Taiwan, and to convey a message to the US that they likewise have a presence in Somaliland.

This confirms the bits of suspicions that China is associated with weakening Somaliland and supporting the Las Anod militia. It likewise strengthens Somaliland’s contention that China is helping the Las Anod local militia on the grounds that Somaliland has forged a tie with Taiwan, and the Somaliland government is additionally giving an army installation to the US Government in Berbera.

The Las Anod Militia leaders’ meeting with Chinese diplomats is intended to show the US government that they have the backing of the Chinese ambassador in Somalia and are eligible to receive funds and weapons from China.

Although the US Government supports Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab, it is regrettable to see the Somalia government facilitating the meeting between the Las Anod militia delegation and the Chinese Ambassador as it contributes to destabilizing Somaliland.

Somalia’s administration did so because of Somaliland’s alignment with the US and Taiwan, and its conscious decision to allying with China, despite America’s blind and blanket support of Somalia’s weak government.

Due to the incompatibility of the Somaliland Republic’s founding ideals with China’s economic and political structure, Somaliland only has one choice before her in the face of this new development – engage in meaningful negotiations with the US and Taiwan and ask for their help.

This choice is important, especially now that the situation is volatile in the Red Sea region because of the current conflict in the Middle East that might spread out throughout the Muslim world.