By Horn Africa News Staff | Las-Anod
Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, arrived in the contested northern town of Las-Anod on Wednesday morning, in a visit aimed at finalizing the formal establishment of the self-declared SSC-Khatumo regional state.
Minister Hosh was received by senior officials from the SSC-Khatumo administration, local elders, and members of civil society in a high-profile reception that underscores the political significance of the visit. The move represents a pivotal moment in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to consolidate federalism and resolve long-standing territorial and administrative disputes in the northern regions.
SSC-Khatumo—an acronym for Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, the regions it claims—has been pushing for official recognition as a federal member state following years of tension and sporadic conflict with Somaliland forces. The visit by the federal interior minister signals a clear step toward integrating the administration under Somalia’s federal system.
During his stay, Minister Hosh is expected to engage in comprehensive discussions with SSC-Khatumo leaders, traditional elders, and community stakeholders to finalize governance frameworks and clarify the state’s political standing within the federal republic.
“This visit reflects the federal government’s commitment to listening to the voices of the people of SSC-Khatumo and supporting their integration into the federal system,” a regional official told Radio Shabelle.
Las-Anod and surrounding regions have experienced a tense calm following months of violent confrontations between SSC-Khatumo forces and Somaliland’s military earlier this year. The clashes left dozens dead and thousands displaced, drawing attention from both domestic and international observers concerned about the region’s humanitarian and political future.
While the violence has subsided, the area remains fragile. Federal engagement, analysts say, is key to maintaining stability and preventing renewed conflict.
“Stabilizing the region requires inclusive dialogue and sustained investment in governance,” said one civil society activist in Las Anod. “The presence of Minister Hosh gives us hope that the government in Mogadishu is taking our situation seriously.”
The minister’s visit is also part of a broader federal government initiative to address regional grievances and implement institutional reforms ahead of Somalia’s anticipated constitutional review. The federal government in Mogadishu has been under pressure to expand its outreach beyond the capital and foster inclusive governance structures across the country.
By supporting SSC-Khatumo’s aspirations for formal recognition, the federal government signals its willingness to engage with emerging regional entities seeking a voice in national decision-making processes.
The coming days are expected to be crucial as talks unfold in Las Anod. Minister Hosh’s delegation is reportedly coordinating with federal agencies to provide technical and logistical support for SSC-Khatumo’s administrative formation. It remains to be seen whether the discussions will yield an official agreement on SSC-Khatumo’s status, but optimism is growing among local leaders.
As Somalia navigates a complex political landscape marked by fragmentation, reconciliation, and reform, the developments in Las Anod may serve as a test case for how the federal model can accommodate diverse regional identities—peacefully and democratically.
