Khaatumo Leader Resolves to Regain Control of Erigavo from North Western State of Somalia
In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where ancient traditions meet modern-day challenges, a stirring call to action echoed through a gathering, drawing the attention of many. Abdikhkhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye, the head honcho of the SSC Khaatumo administration, took center stage at a celebratory event over the weekend, but his words carried a weight far beyond the festivities. His mission? The liberation of Erigavo from the grip of North Western State of Somalia, a task as daunting as it is crucial.
“My friends, my family, wherever in the world you might find yourselves—brace yourselves. We are on a mission to return Erigavo and the greater Sanaag region to our folds,” he declared with a fervor that could rival the heat of the Somali sun. “It’s high time we stop sitting on our laurels while segments of our homeland languish under foreign rule.”
Firdhiye’s voice was steady but steely as he illuminated the hardships inflicted on Erigavo’s populace. Displacement and destruction, he explained, are the bitter fruits sown by North Western State of Somalia’s control—a situation that the SSC Khaatumo finds utterly unacceptable.
Visualize this: a group of determined individuals, much like a slew of Robin Hoods, each prepared to fight tooth and nail to reclaim what they’ve lost. Firdhiye compared their potential victory in Erigavo to the recapture of Las Anod, a win they had already chalked up on their side of the scoreboard. Plans are already afoot, he assured the attendees, with a rallying cry: “Know this struggle isn’t over—it’s merely shifting gears.”
In late December, SSC Khaatumo forces briefly set their feet on the soil of Ceerigaabo. Yet, their triumph was short-lived, as clashes with North Western State of Somalia troops ultimately saw them pushed out, stirring a maelstrom of turmoil that left thousands of residents from their homes. It’s the kind of upheaval you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy.
If you’re thinking human misery ends there, think again. Humanitarian outfits painting a bleaker picture than a midnight sky, are now grappling with cries for aid. People need medicine, clean water, and a break from escalating violence. The Norwegian Refugee Council voices concern that with each renewed conflict, trade routes—lifelines, essentially—become blocked. Local economies, which hang heavily on livestock and cross-border transactions, find themselves on crumbling ground.
In a biting retort, Firdhiye addressed North Western State of Somalia’s alleged plans to make life unbearable for Erigavo’s citizens, dismissing their actions with disdain. He drew parallels with the previous struggle for Laascaanood, a now-victorious claim for SSC Khaatumo, holding the line that this victory sets a precedent for Erigavo’s fate.
The regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn have long stood as contentious flashpoints in the intricate mosaic of Somalia’s political landscape. North Western State of Somalia has held firm to their claims since they stepped foot away from Somalia in 1991, harking back to old colonial demarcations. But SSC Khaatumo leaders have a different tune—they are no strangers to feeling overlooked by North Western State of Somalia, arguing for their self-rule as a non-negotiable right.
The International Crisis Group, who’ve kept their eyes peeled on the region, confirms the tensions. Deep-rooted clan loyalties and history’s wounds continue to fuel the fire, particularly in the territories awash with complex allegiances. Firdhiye, echoing the wisdom of local elders, advocates for a peace that can only be born from the heart of the region itself.
At the end of the day, it’s clear this story’s ink is far from dry. The people of SSC Khaatumo and North Western State of Somalia each see their future paths woven tightly with historical threads, and the journey ahead is fraught with passion, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. How will this saga end? That’s anyone’s guess, but the determination of the SSC Khaatumo suggests they intend to carve their destiny with unwavering resolve.
Report By Axadle.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
