The Official Welcome of SSC-Khaatumo into Somalia’s Federal Community: A New Chapter

In the heart of Las Anod, an ordinary Sunday quickly turned into a historic occasion, as the federal government of Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal administration. This pivotal announcement, made by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, brings SSC-Khaatumo into the fold along with the current Somali member states. The significance of this event resonated throughout the town, marking a crucial step toward inclusivity and national coherence.

A New Invitation

Prime Minister Barre also extended an invitation to Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye, the leader of SSC-Khaatumo, to join the forthcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting scheduled for May 1–2 in Mogadishu. The NCC is the crux of Somalia’s political dialogue, providing a platform where federal and regional leaders converge to discuss national priorities that span security coordination, constitutional reforms, and humanitarian endeavors. In Barre’s own words, “SSC-Khaatumo is a Somali territory and a legitimate part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It is not a contested area.”

A Historical Moment Unfolds

This announcement represents a monumental checkpoint for SSC-Khaatumo, a region in the north which had declared itself an autonomous entity after North Western State of Somalia’s retreat from Las Anod earlier in 2023. Ever since, the region’s alignment with the federal government and its pursuit of formal member state recognition have been steadfast. “This recognition was long overdue,” Barre remarked, underscoring that SSC-Khaatumo will now be woven into the fabric of national development plans.

Building a Future

This formal recognition reinforces SSC-Khaatumo’s emerging role in national governance. Firdhiye had previously participated in an NCC summit in May 2024, where he passionately articulated the region’s aspiration for constitutional acknowledgment and pressed the federal regime to address unresolved concerns. His involvement in the forthcoming summit is emblematic of a broader governmental commitment to knitting together national unity and quelling internal disputes via inclusive governance.

Prime Minister Barre didn’t miss this opportunity to bootstrap multiple development projects in Las Anod, heralding the initiation of infrastructure like administrative buildings, a new police headquarters, a national ID center, and modern educational and healthcare facilities. Barre’s pledge to incorporate SSC-Khaatumo into national development strategies ensures the region will partake in federal funding benefits. Imagine the potential a unified effort harbors for Somalia’s future?

Voices of Ambivalence

While this milestone was met with joy by many SSC-Khaatumo residents, questions linger regarding its fulfillment of constitutional prerequisites for becoming a formal federal member state. According to Somalia’s provisional constitution, the process demands structured public consultations and parliamentary endorsement—a series of steps critics highlight have yet to transpire.

Reflecting on a Complex Landscape

Inevitably, this bold move sparked immediate denouncement from North Western State of Somalia’s government, which maintains that Las Anod remains under its sovereignty. Authorities in Hargeisa have categorically labeled the Prime Minister’s visit as a “clear violation of sovereignty,” accusing federal authorities of unauthorized meddling.

This case is a vivid illustration of an intricate political tapestry, where opportunistic ventures and steadfast claims intersect and sometimes collide. As Somalia embarks on this journey to weave a tighter communal fabric, one wonders, could this stride herald a new era of peace and prosperity?

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times international–Monitoring.