Djibouti Falsely Accused by Anti-Somaliland Rebels in Las Anod Crisis
The Las Anod Crisis: Understanding the Forces Behind Unfounded Allegations Against Djibouti
Robleh Mohamud Raghe
March 24, 2023
As the Las Anod crisis continues to escalate, a new front in the conflict has emerged: a disinformation campaign targeting the Republic of Djibouti. Pro-Greater Somalia propaganda outlets have been circulating fake videos of captured "Djiboutian soldiers" in Las Anod and have been issuing defamatory statements on social media against President Ismail Omar Guelleh and the Djiboutian First Family. These outlandish and baseless accusations serve to further destabilize an already volatile region.
Digging deeper into this disinformation campaign, it becomes apparent that the supporters of the Las Anod rebellion are targeting Djibouti for many reasons. First, the individuals and groups behind the rebellion subscribe to a dangerous expansionist ideology called "Greater Somalia." This vision seeks to unite all five territories where ethnic Somalis live (Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia's Somali Region, and Kenya's northeastern regions) under one country. By targeting Djibouti, these expansionists hope to undermine one of the critical pillars of regional stability.
Second, Djibouti plays a vital role in anti-terror operations in Somalia. Many terrorists, both on the ground and online, are hiding behind the guise of supporting a clan rebellion and are actively targeting those who oppose their radical ideology.
While the aforementioned factors hold significant weight, a plethora of other hidden motives and agendas contribute to the overarching disinformation campaign targeting Djibouti in the Las Anod crisis. One potential factor is the machinations of former Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. As Farmaajo's relationship with Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh deteriorated towards the conclusion of his term, these baseless allegations against Djibouti could be construed as an attempt to tarnish President Guelleh's reputation as a form of political retribution.
Farmaajo, harbouring bitterness after his unsuccessful re-election bid, appears steadfast in his determination to attack his political adversaries throughout the Horn of Africa as he contemplates a potential resurgence on the political stage. It is imperative to highlight that Farmaajo has openly expressed his support for the Las Anod clan rebellion on multiple occasions, and he is widely believed to be one of the key architects orchestrating the clan rebellion transpiring in Las Anod.
By launching this disinformation attack on Djibouti, the culprits behind the Las Anod rebellion aim to weaken a vital ally in the struggle against political instability and terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
The forces driving the Las Anod clan rebellion represent a perilous presence that risks spreading chaos across the Horn of Africa and undermining stable nations in the region. It is imperative that countries within the region, as well as the global community, unite to confront these dangerous forces and tackle the challenges arising from the Las Anod rebellion.
Djibouti's foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Yusuf, has already issued a statement denouncing these false accusations. He emphasized Djibouti's commitment to good neighbourliness and neutrality, as well as its long-standing policy of promoting peace and non-interference in the internal affairs of its neighbours. The minister dismissed the disinformation campaign against Djibouti as "shameful propaganda" and urged the international community not to fall for these lies.
The perilous and destabilizing forces propelling the Las Anod rebellion present a grave risk to the Horn of Africa. In targeting Djibouti, these nefarious actors behind the rebellion aim to weaken a vital partner in combating terrorism and advance their expansionist agenda. Somaliland remains steadfast in its support for Djibouti, standing shoulder to shoulder with their Djiboutian brothers and sisters in the face of these unfounded accusations. The strong bond between Somaliland and Djibouti serves as an example of regional unity and cooperation - a beacon of hope in a turbulent region. It is crucial that the international community remains vigilant against such disinformation campaigns and unites in a collective effort to confront and neutralize the challenges emanating from the Las Anod crisis.
Robleh Mohamud Raghe is a writer, analyst, marketing executive, and former communications aide to the 4th President of Somaliland, Ahmed Silanyo. You can follow him on Twitter at @RM_Laf. For news tips and inquiries, feel free to reach out at [email protected].