SSC-Khaatumo Elder Urges North Western State of Somalia to Embrace Peace or Encounter Resistance

Las Anod (AX) – In a powerful address, the Supreme Traditional Leader of SSC-Khaatumo, Garaad Jama Garaad Ali, urged the North Western State of Somalia administration to make a pivotal choice: embrace peace or brace for conflict. His declaration was unequivocal—North Western State of Somalia will never preside over the SSC-Khaatumo territories. This assertion resonates deeply within the ongoing complex landscape of the region.

On a day marked by tension and urgency, Garaad Jama spoke candidly about the persistent state of unrest. “No genuine peace has been established between SSC and North Western State of Somalia,” he stated emphatically on Monday. His observations highlighted recent conciliatory gestures from several North Western State of Somalia elders, particularly Sultan Da’uud Sultan Abdiqadir. While expressing appreciation for Sultan Da’uud’s goodwill, Garaad Jama maintained a resolute stance on the reality of the situation.

One of the most poignant moments in his speech was when he declared, “I am not coming to your homes, and I will not allow you to invade mine.” This assertion was not just a statement; it was a profound commitment to protecting the land and people of SSC-Khaatumo. His words resonate with the sentiment of many who feel caught in a tug-of-war over territorial integrity.

Garaad Jama presented a stark choice for North Western State of Somalia: either accept a peaceful settlement and withdraw from SSC-Khaatumo’s affairs or prepare for inevitable confrontation. He firmly stated, “There is no middle ground where they rule us,” a sentiment that encapsulates the depth of this long-standing struggle for autonomy and recognition.

The leader dismissed the North Western State of Somalia administration’s claims of pursuing peace in Eastern Sool as disingenuous, arguing that authentic peace hinges on the recognition of SSC-Khaatumo’s independence—a right they asserted in 2023 when they declared their interim self-rule. It raises a thought-provoking question: How can two entities, with conflicting narratives, find common ground? History has shown us that reconciliation is seldom a linear journey but rather one filled with detours, misunderstandings, and the occasional leap of faith.

Adding another layer of complexity, Garaad Jama’s comments emerged amidst a recent peace initiative led by a coalition of SSC intellectuals, including Sultan Da’uud. Their efforts aimed to reconcile the protracted conflict plaguing the region, a noble endeavor met with cautious optimism. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remains charged with apprehension due to North Western State of Somalia’s dismissive stance on SSC’s self-proclaimed status, compounded by Northeastern State’s competing claims over the territory.

In the backdrop of this unfolding situation, it is essential to recognize the sentiments of the local populace. Many in SSC-Khaatumo look towards their leaders with hope—hope that transcends the immediate fear of conflict, rooted instead in the desire for acknowledgment, autonomy, and ultimately, peace. After all, peace isn’t merely the absence of war; it is about fostering environment where communities can thrive, dialogue can flourish, and coexistence becomes more than just an ideal.

The Federal Government of Somalia officially recognizes SSC-Khaatumo as part of its federal structure. Yet, this acknowledgment faces resistance from both North Western State of Somalia and Northeastern State, who assert their sovereignty over the region. The struggle for territorial control is not only about land; it also encompasses identity, heritage, and the aspiration for self-determination. It begs the question: What does it mean to belong to a place? How do histories intertwine in a richly woven tapestry of cultural and political complexity?

As the dust of conflict continues to swirl, Garaad Jama Garaad Ali stands as a steadfast voice for his people. His commitment is both commendable and daunting. The quest for peace in such a divided landscape requires more than mere words; it demands a willingness to listen, to empathize, and to forge paths that many may find uncomfortable. Success will hinge on mutual respect—something that has been elusive in this intricate dance of sovereignty and identity. 

In conclusion, while the conversations may seem steeped in history and fraught with tension, the hope for a harmonious future lingers. It is within the hearts and minds of the people that the seeds of true peace can be sown. The next moves made by North Western State of Somalia and SSC-Khaatumo will be pivotal and may either write a new chapter in their shared narrative or plunge them deeper into discord.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.