SSC-Khatumo Joins Somalia’s Federal Fold After Long Struggle

LAS ANOD, Somalia - After a long wait—coupled with political intrigues, disputes, and civil war—Somalia’s northern regions, bringing together Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (better known as SSC-Khatumo), were recognized as a federal member state on Monday.

This becomes the sixth federal state after Jubaland, Puntland, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Southwest — with another region — Somaliland, fighting for international recognition having purportedly seceded from the Horn of Africa nation in 1991.

SSC-Khatumo battled against Somaliland in Las Anod city in 2023, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people, and mass displacement of refugees and prisoners from both sides.

During his visit to Las Anod, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced that the region's leadership will participate in the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting—the highest decision-making body bringing together regional and state leadership.

"SSC Khaatumo is not a disputed area; it is an administration equivalent to the other federal member states of the country. All international organizations and Somalia’s partners are required to deal accordingly," he said.

“I am honored to be here with you today, and I assure you that your constitutional rights—including the right to participate in national elections—will soon be fulfilled," added Barre, who launched various development projects in the region.

SSC-Khaatumo leaders have released 25 prisoners of war captured during the fighting between SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland. The move marks yet another milestone toward strengthening Somalia’s internal governance which is facing a myriad of challenges.

The move also comes at the time Puntland and Jubaland are embroiled him a tussle with Mogadishu over the plans to change the constitution — paving the way for direct polls which the two federal states maintain would tamper with the term limits of leaders.

It is not clear if the two states will participate in the NCC meeting scheduled for early May. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is facing rebellion from the two states over his perceived condescending attitude, including his lack of willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

GAROWE ONLINE