Las Anod (AX) – On a bustling Friday morning, a top-tier delegation from the Federal Government of Somalia touched down in the town of Las Anod. Spearheading this group was Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Xoosh, setting the stage for a significant visit by Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre scheduled for the following day. As the delicate hues of dusk settled upon the town, anticipation swelled among the residents.
Prime Minister Barre’s visit isn’t merely ceremonial. He’s on a mission to inaugurate a range of development projects, all meticulously funded by the federal government, with an eye on launching groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing services in the Sool region. The question looms—could this visit be a harbinger of lasting change? Officials certainly believe so.
According to authorities in Mogadishu, this excursion is not just a routine diplomatic maneuver. It underscores a resolute effort to mend and build bridges with the SSC-Khaatumo administration. This administration, interestingly enough, aligned itself with the Federal Government after the 2023 uprising that saw the retreat of North Western State of Somalia forces from Las Anod.
Interior Minister Xoosh, embodying a steadfast demeanor, reiterated the federal government’s unwavering dedication to the people of SSC-Khaatumo. He eloquently stated, “The government will stand with the people of SSC and work toward lasting development and governance,” echoing his commitment to the region.
The federal delegation’s arrival is just one piece of a larger puzzle; security forces have been strategically deployed, and numerous officials have arrived in advance, including ministers and members of both parliamentary houses. It is almost reminiscent of a chess game where each move is pivotal.
Meanwhile, SSC-Khaatumo’s Minister of Information, Najib Barkhadle Warsame, found himself in a verbal sparring match with North Western State of Somalia’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle. The latter accused Mogadishu of stirring the pot by dispatching high-level delegations into a contentious zone. Warsame, however, didn’t pull any punches, dismissing Ayaanle’s accusations as “baseless,” confidently asserting that SSC is now under the comprehensive governance of local and federal authorities.
The saga of Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn is one that could fill the pages of a compelling novel—long-contested by North Western State of Somalia and Northeastern State, now shifting sights set on Mogadishu. How did we get here? Is this a realignment grounded in strategic necessity or a deeper, perhaps more profound sense of belonging? Only time will tell.
As narratives of power and allegiance weave through the fabric of the region, the dynamics reflect both fractures and the potential for unity. It’s a resonant reminder of the intricacies of governance, the weight of history, and the promises of tomorrow.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
