Villa Somalia Backs Firdhiye for Khaatumo Leadership as Laascaanood Conference Draws Criticism

By Garowe Online | Laascaanood | July 21, 2025

The Federal Government of Somalia is supporting Abdulqadir Ahmed Ali Firdhiye as president of a proposed Khaatumo regional administration, according to reports emerging from the ongoing political conference in Laascaanood.

The gathering, intended to establish a new regional administration, has drawn controversy over Villa Somalia’s role in coordinating the selection process. Sources indicate that former Puntland Parliament Speaker Cabdirashid Jibriil, who hails from the Sanaag region, is being considered for the post of vice president under Firdhiye, with federal endorsement.

Jibriil reportedly arrived in Laascaanood accompanied by a group of delegates from the Sanaag and Haylaan regions. However, the delegation is said to lack the approval of traditional elders and community leaders from both areas, raising questions about its legitimacy.

Notably absent from the conference are key political and traditional figures, including Garaad Jaamac Garaad Cali, the supreme elder of the Sool and Cayn regions; former Puntland Vice President Ahmed Karash; and politician Abdirizak Khalif—some of whom were expected to contest for leadership positions within the new administration.

Observers report that Villa Somalia has influenced the delegate selection process to favor both Firdhiye and Jibriil, narrowing the space for political competition.

Diplomatic sources told Garowe Online that Ambassador Jamaal Xasan, who recently traveled to Laascaanood with intentions to run for president of the proposed administration, withdrew from the race after being excluded from the delegate selection process. Jamaal, from Haylaan, is reportedly aligned with a different political vision and was not supported by the majority of Sool and Cayn residents.

Further reports suggest that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud views the establishment of the Khaatumo administration and the appointment of its leaders as a strategic step ahead of Somalia’s disputed national elections.

In a recent statement, the Puntland Government reaffirmed its support for the people of Sool and Cayn to form their own administration but condemned the process underway in Laascaanood. Puntland accused the Federal Government of overstepping its constitutional boundaries and interfering in regional affairs in violation of the provisional Somali constitution.

The developments in Laascaanood have added to growing tensions between federal and regional authorities as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.