A border dispute between Puntland and Somaliland has descended into open war. Drawn-out fighting would be disastrous for northern Somalia and could spread southward, rejuvenating jihadist groups. The UN, along with neighbouring states, should urgently broker a ceasefire and press both sides to enter negotiations.
What's new? The self-declared republic of Somaliland and Puntland, an autonomous Somali region, are engaged in a perilous standoff over long-contested areas Sool and Sanaag. After repeated deadly clashes since the start of 2018, both sides are using incendiary rhetoric, are massing forces in the contested areas and have shunned UN diplomacy.
...