The Federal Map of Somalia Fuels Tensions with Northeastern State and Hirshabelle Over Contested Regions

Mogadishu (AX) — During a lively event in Mogadishu, Somalia’s federal government rolled out a new map that has ruffled some feathers, especially in the territories of Northeastern State and Hirshabelle. The focus of the gathering was to welcome a Turkish oil exploration vessel, but the map showcasing various areas as “disputed” areas quickly took center stage. Leaders from Northeastern State and Hirshabelle took issue, arguing it undermines the self-governance and clearly established borders of their lands.

Northeastern State’s top dog, President Said Abdullahi Deni, didn’t mince words in airing his grievances. He called the map’s labeling of Mudug’s territory as contested a flat-out misrepresentation. “Northeastern State and Galmudug have no beef over borders. Each has its boundaries cut and dried, our partnership’s about goodwill and living in harmony,” Deni remarked. He firmly stated Northeastern State’s claim to Mudug was rock solid, dismissing any murmur of uncertainty as “outsiders getting their wires crossed.”

Hirshabelle chimed in with the same tune, arguing the map flouts the constitutional borders set under Somalia’s federal setup. “Hirshabelle’s framework is carved in stone as per the federal constitution, especially Articles 48 and 49. The map’s portrayal twists our state’s essence and risks sowing discord,” officials declared, slapping the map with the tag of being a blow to Somali unity.

The map kerfuffle casts a spotlight on the simmering friction between Northeastern State and Somalia’s federal administration, which has ticked up since Hassan Sheikh Mohamud grabbed the reins. Northeastern State has even given the cold shoulder to National Consultative Council gatherings, calling out perceived federal overstep and solo moves on constitutional tweaks.

Taking the stage to address the furor, Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, chalked the uproar up to a snag in the works. During a presser, Mohamed put it down to a dated 2015 map getting flashed by mistake. “It’s a sheer technical glitch. The map was cobbled together long before Hirshabelle came into being, and someone goofed up with the logistics,” he clarified.

Mohamed didn’t mince words about what he saw as political gamesmanship, hinting that some local leaders were using the blooper to fan separateness. “Feeding off minor slip-ups to push agendas is disheartening, especially when folks are feeling hopeful,” he noted, but added that federal brass owned up to the snafu and vowed to step up quality checks.

This episode throws a spotlight on Somalia’s tangled tale of territorial lines. Since the government took a nosedive in the ’90s, maps of Somali turf have been all over the place, mirroring shifts in power and disputed territories. As new federal member states pop up, the demand for precise cartography grows, and the nation works on striking a balance between regional independence and federal harmony.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring