Villa Somalia Endorses Firdhiye for Khaatumo Leadership Amid Laascaanood Conference Controversies

By Axadle | Laascaanood | July 21, 2025

The political landscape in Somalia is once again in the spotlight, as the Federal Government places its support behind Abdulqadir Ahmed Ali Firdhiye for the presidency of a proposed Khaatumo regional administration. With the ongoing political conference in Laascaanood serving as the backdrop, this development is anything but ordinary.

Laascaanood has hosted numerous political events, but few have sparked as much debate as this one. The conference’s aim is clear: to establish a new regional administration. However, the methods have raised eyebrows, particularly due to Villa Somalia’s involvement. A strategic quote from a regional analyst captures the sentiment: “Central interference can often obscure genuine local aspirations.”

Rising through the political ranks can be likened to weaving a complex tapestry. In this case, former Northeastern State Parliament Speaker Cabdirashid Jibriil is under consideration for vice president alongside Firdhiye, backed by federal endorsement. Are these selections true representations of the people’s will or a manifestation of political chess games?

Jibriil recently arrived in Laascaanood, accompanied by delegates from the Sanaag and Haylaan regions. Yet, a critical element seems missing: approval. The absence of support from traditional elders and community leaders stirs up questions about the delegation’s authenticity. It seems decisions are sometimes made in echo chambers rather than community squares.

The exclusions are notable. Key figures, such as Garaad Jaamac Garaad Cali, the preeminent elder of Sool and Cayn, and former Northeastern State Vice President Ahmed Karash are conspicuously missing. Their absence might be the silence before a storm or perhaps a testament to a widening chasm in trust.

The air is thick with talk of influence. Observers whisper about Villa Somalia guiding delegate selections to favor Firdhiye and Jibriil, narrowing political diversity. This narrative creates a scenario rife with speculation: is the central government weaving a predetermined script?

An anecdote from the diplomatic lanes emerges: Ambassador Jamaal Xasan, who had ambitions for presidency, found his path blocked. Having traveled to Laascaanood with the intent to run, his withdrawal was inevitable after exclusion from delegate selection. Politics, it appears, is as much about navigating absence as it is about presence.

The bigger picture reveals Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s strategic vision. The establishment of a Khaatumo administration, with leaders handpicked, seems a move aligned with upcoming national elections. Is this a chess piece masterfully maneuvered or a gambit too soon? Emotionally laden decisions often leave marks, intended or not.

Meanwhile, Northeastern State’s government has laid its cards on the table. They express support for the people of Sool and Cayn to form an administration, but criticize the process unraveling in Laascaanood. Their stance involves a sharply worded accusation: the Federal Government is overstepping constitutional boundaries, a reminder of the delicate balance of power in Somali politics.

In Laascaanood, tensions simmer. The narrative of federal vs. regional authority continues to play out against a backdrop of forthcoming elections. It’s a familiar dance, one unfolding on the edge of a new political era.

As events progress, the questions remain: who truly holds the reins of power, and what do these developments portend for Somalia’s future? Political landscapes are complex, and sometimes, the most profound change begins with a single whispered word or a bold, unanticipated act.

The unfolding situation serves as a reminder that in the world of politics, the human element—imperfect, unpredictable, and deeply relatable—is ever-present.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring