Somalia officially recognises SSC-Khatumo as 6th federal member state in historic unity move
The move comes after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre paid a high-profile visit to Las Anod, where he was greeted by cheering crowds, signalling strong support for Mogadishu’s efforts to integrate the region into the federal system.
The Federal Government of Somalia has formally recognised SSC-Khatumo as the country’s sixth federal member state, marking a significant step toward national unity and resolving long-standing constitutional uncertainty over the region's status.
Interior and Federal Reconciliation Minister Ali Yusuf Hosh said the recognition allows SSC-Khatumo to form its own government, draft a local constitution, and participate fully in national governance.
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“For the first time in over 30 years, the people of SSC-Khatumo are establishing their own political structure, setting the foundation for local governance, and preparing to hold their first election once the conference concludes,” Ali told the Nation.
The move comes after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre paid a high-profile visit to Las Anod, where he was greeted by cheering crowds, signalling strong support for Mogadishu’s efforts to integrate the region into the federal system.
SSC-Khatumo territories
During his address, Hamza reaffirmed that SSC-Khatumo’s territories—Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn—are “indisputably Somali soil,” underscoring federal jurisdiction and rejecting any territorial claims from outside entities.
As part of the integration process, SSC-Khatumo will now take its seat at the National Consultative Council, Somalia’s highest intergovernmental policy coordination body. This gives the region a formal role in shaping national decisions on governance and security.
SSC-Khatumo’s formal transition into a federal state began on Monday with the launch of a state-building conference in Las Anod, near the border with Somaliland.
The forum includes traditional elders, civil society leaders, and political representatives, all working toward ratifying a local constitution and establishing foundational governance structures.
“Institutions have been built from scratch, including systems for tax collection, local security coordination and basic public services, with broad public support,” said Abdi Yusuf, interim SSC-Khatumo Minister for Planning.
Political realignment
The federal recognition follows a turbulent period of political realignment.
Earlier in 2024, local militias expelled Somaliland forces that had long claimed control over parts of the territory.
In response, the federal government placed SSC-Khatumo under direct administration. Despite objections from Puntland, which also laid claim to parts of the region, Mogadishu established an interim leadership under Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye.
Firdhiye, a central figure in SSC-Khatumo’s autonomy campaign, has declared his intention to run for the presidency once elections are held.
His leadership has gained the support of key Dhulbahante elders, later joined by the Warsengeli community in Sanaag, further consolidating backing for federal statehood.
Monday’s opening session of the Las Anod conference was attended by senior national leaders, including Second Deputy Speaker of the Upper House Abdullahi Timacadde and SSC-Khatumo’s interim leader Abdikadir Firdhiye.
Delegations from civil society, women’s groups, and elders across Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn were present. However, Puntland and Somaliland did not send representatives.
In a gesture of reconciliation, SSC-Khatumo released 25 Somaliland prisoners of war, a sign of de-escalation and a move towards stabilisation.
Both sides have also agreed to integrate local forces into the national military structure and speed up development initiatives in the historically marginalised region.
Though the name SSC-Khatumo may be revised pending consensus from local delegates, its federal recognition represents a major milestone in Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts.
It now joins Puntland, Jubbaland, South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle as the sixth federal member state.
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