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Sanaag

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Location of Sanaag in northern Somalia

Sanaag (Somali: Sanaag) is a region (gobol) in northern Somalia. Sanaag is claimed by the two self-proclaimed but internationally-unrecognized states of Somaliland, Puntland, and the self-declared autonomous state Maakhir. It was the largest region of formerly British Somaliland protectorate. Its capital city is Ceerigaabo (Erigavo).

Sanaag has a long coastline facing the Gulf of Aden to the north and is bordered by the Somali regions of Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sool and Bari.

The most important towns are Ceerigaabo, Badhan, Las Khorey, Dhahar, Ceel Afweyn, Huluul, Fadhi-gaab Hadaaftimo,Mindigale, Xingalool, Yubbe City, Buraan, Damala Xagare, Maydh, Ceelbuh, Gar Adag, Hadaaftimo, Kaladhacda, Laas-doomaare and Awrboogays.

Environment

A severe drought in the region in the early part of the 21st century caused an 80% or greater loss of livestock, though two good rainy seasons in 2004–2005 helped restore the area. Over a 15-year period of analysis, from 1988–2003, there was a 52% loss of forest and a 40% loss of grassland, and a 370% increase in bare land. Soil erosion due to weather and human activities and clearing of wood and brush for such uses as charcoal and fuel are issues leading to a degradation of the environment.[1]

Territorial dispute

Main article: Somaliland-Puntland dispute
Somaliland border dispute with Puntland. As of July 1, 2007, part of the disputed territory declared the state of Maakhir.

Sanaag is a disputed region, claimed as sovereign territory by the two self-proclaimed but internationally-unrecognized states of Somaliland and Puntland, as well as defined as part of the Somali Republic according to the 2004 Transitional Federal Charter of the Somali Republic of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

The dispute between Somaliland and Puntland stems from 1998, when Puntland formed and declared the region as part of its territory.[2] Prior to that, it had been claimed by Somaliland since the 1991 events of the Somali Civil War.

Beginning in 2003, the forces of Puntland entered and occupied the region based on irredentist desires, due to the large Darod clan population in the area. Somaliland claimed the territory as part of the original bounds of British Somaliland. Fighting between the two forces led to casualties and captured prisoners, who were later exchanged. As a related contention, in 2005 Puntland tried to sell off mineral rights to foreign investors, including the disputed territories of Sool and Sanaag.[3][4]

The dispute with the TFG stems from the passage of the new Charter in November 2004. However, this was not a pragmatic issue until the military successes of the government in the 2006–2007 war in Somalia. Assertions of sovereignty in January 2007 by the TFG leadership sparked riots in Somaliland, both for and against a reunification with the south.[5][6]

In July 1, 2007, the state of Maakhir was declared on the area. It claims independence from both Puntland and Somaliland.[7]

Districts of Sanaag Region

File:DSC02066.JPG
Uniquely designed house in Badhan, Maakhir, Somalia

According to the federal government of Somalia, prior to 1991, Sanaag was divided into 5 Districts which are as follows:[8]

According to the Puntland administration, the Sanaag region consists of 10 districts with Badhan being the Capital of the region. The Transitional Federal government also recognizes Puntland as an official state so as as its regions and districts. The Districts of Sanaag are:

Camel in Almadow Forest, Maakhir, Somalia

According to the Somaliland administration, as of July 2002, Sanaag was formally divided into 10 districts, rated "A" through "D" in terms; districts graded "D" were limited, because "their district councils shall not be elected at first local government elections as their borders have not yet been delineated."[9] Thusly, under the 2005 elections for the lower house of Parliament, Sanaag was described as only having six districts.[10] Here is the list of districts of Sanaag and their "Grade":

  • Erigavo (A) - Habar Jeclo, Habar Yonis, Warsengeli and Dhulbahante
  • El-Afweyn (A) - Habar-jeclo
Hadaaftimo, Maakhir, Somalia

Notes

  1. ^ "Environmental Study of Degradation in the Sool Plateau and Gebi Valley: Sanaag Region of Northern Somalia" (PDF). Horn Relief. February 2006. Retrieved 2007-02-06.
  2. ^ "Remarks on the 1998 Charter of Puntland State of Somalia". Somalia Watch. 2000-08-12. Retrieved 2007-01-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ "Somalia's Puntland Sold Exploration Rights In ‎Somaliland". Somaliland Times. 2006-02-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ "Somaliland, Puntland Exchange Detainees". Somaliland Times. 2005-12-07. Retrieved 2007-01-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Anti Somalia government protest rages in Somaliland". SomaliNet. 2007-01-16. Retrieved 2007-01-16. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ "Pro-government rally take place in northwest Somalia". Shabelle Media Network. 2007-01-17. Retrieved 2007-01-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ The Formation of The Maakhir State of Somalia
  8. ^ Gwillim Law, "Districts of Somalia ", Statoids, December 31, 1990
  9. ^ "Republic of Somaliland: Regions and Districts Law (Law No: 23/2002)". Translation of Republic of Somaliland government document. 2002-07-29. Retrieved 2007-02-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ "Somaliland: Elections for the Lower House of Parliament September 2005" (PDF). Norwegian Centre for Human Rights/NORDEM. September 2005. Retrieved 2007-02-22.
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