Ceerigaabo, Somaliland – In a move aimed at strengthening its military and stabilizing the Sanaag region, Somaliland has officially integrated the first armed unit into the Somaliland Armed Forces in the city of Ceerigaabo.

The formal ceremony took place on March 1, 2025, attended by Somaliland’s Vice President, Maxamed Cali Aw Cabdi, along with senior officials. The event marked the official incorporation of armed groups into the national army, as part of Somaliland’s broader efforts to enhance security and governance in the region.

A New Chapter for Ceerigaabo’s Security

Vice President Maxamed Cali Aw Cabdi, who has been leading a government delegation in Sanaag, stated that their mission was to address ongoing security concerns, defuse tensions, and absorb local armed groups into the national military.

“As we officially integrate the first group of civilian forces today, we are also laying the foundation for lasting security. Ceerigaabo belongs to everyone, it is a shared city, and it has always been a place of coexistence,” he said during the ceremony.

He emphasized that all remaining armed groups in the region would soon be formally integrated into the military, calling on local elders and community leaders in Sanaag to expedite the enlistment process.

Somaliland’s Security Priorities in Sanaag

Somalialnd’s decision to incorporate civilian armed groups into the military follows a directive issued last month, which banned the public display of firearms in Ceerigaabo.

This policy was introduced after repeated clan conflicts in the city resulted in casualties and displacement. Authorities stated that the regulation was meant to enhance security and prevent further outbreaks of violence.

Vice President Cabdi underscored the strategic importance of Ceerigaabo and the entire Sanaag region to Somaliland, urging all communities to focus on peacebuilding and economic development.

Background: Conflict and Political Complexities

Ceerigaabo has witnessed numerous violent clashes over the past year, with multiple factions claiming influence over the region, including Somaliland, Khaatumo, and Puntland.

The escalation of violence led to concerns among political and security experts, with each entity providing different perspectives on the conflict. Somaliland has repeatedly asserted that Ceerigaabo falls under its jurisdiction and has taken steps to strengthen its security presence.

Meanwhile, political leaders from Khaatumo and Puntland have voiced their concerns over the region’s governance and security, further complicating the situation.

Despite these challenges, the official integration of local armed groups into the national military is seen as a positive step toward long-term stability.

Somaliland authorities have indicated that this is only the first phase of a broader security reform strategy, with further efforts planned to stabilize Ceerigaabo and other contested areas in Sanaag.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Somaliland’s Security Efforts?

Somaliland has pledged to continue its military integration program, ensuring that all armed groups in Ceerigaabo and the Sanaag region are either incorporated into the military or disarmed.