Is Khatumo State of Somalia in Somaliland a Viable Option?

While Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab has received a lot of international attention, a serious conflict has broken out in the Horn of Africa between Somaliland and several clans that want to stay in Somalia. As a result, fighting has broken out around Las Anod, the administrative city of the eastern province of Sool that wants to set up its own breakaway administration: Khatumo State of Somalia.

Although the severe fighting around Las Anod has received almost no international attention, this conflict is becoming a major crisis in the Horn of Africa. Already, it has seen hundreds killed and over 200,000 people flee their homes. But it raises lots of tough questions.

Should the contested area remain a part of Somaliland? Or should it be part of Somalia? And, if it is allowed to break away from Somaliland, should it do so as Khatumo State, or should it be incorporated into Puntland?