The conflict between the government and Al-Shabaab continued, and all parties committed serious abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law with impunity. Insecurity, drought, floods and food insecurity caused the displacement of over 2. Internally displaced people faced human rights violations; women and girls were particularly exposed to gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence.
The right to freedom of expression was restricted, and journalists were attacked, beaten, and arbitrarily arrested and prosecuted. In Somaliland, a new conflict erupted in the city of Las Anod in Sool region, leading to civilian casualties, destruction of civilian property and massive displacement.
Somaliland authorities also restricted the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. In February, the government announced plans for a comprehensive military operation against Al-Shabaab and established a frontline states-level initiative, comprising military forces from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. ATMIS resumed the withdrawal of a further 3, troops in December, a process which had previously been halted following a request from the government for a three-month pause.
Political tensions increased in Somaliland due to elections planned for and a new conflict in the Sool region. Civilians continued to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict between the government and its international allies on one hand, and the armed group Al-Shabaab on the other.
Massive civilian casualties were reported throughout the year. There was no accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Al-Shabaab increased its targeted attacks against government and allied forces and also carried out indiscriminate attacks against civilians. According to the UN, there were civilian casualties killed and injured between February and October.
