By Horn Africa News Staff
Lasanod, Somalia– The highly anticipated conference to finalize the formation of the SSC-Khaatumo regional administration has been postponed for a second time, according to sources on the ground in Lasanod, the capital of the Sool region. The delay is attributed to ongoing political tensions and conflicting movements across the Sool and Sanaag regions in northern Somalia.
Preparations for the crucial conference remain underway, but disagreement persists—particularly over the proposed inclusion of Sanaag region in the future SSC-Khaatumo administration. The issue has sparked considerable debate among key stakeholders and clan elders.
Separate consultative meetings have been held in Laascaanood, where the conference’s technical committee met today with senior traditional leader Garaad Jama Garaad Alli. The Garaad, who publicly stated his concerns last night, voiced dissatisfaction with how the process is being managed—specifically criticizing the structure and approach to the planned summit. His comments have further fueled debates surrounding the participation of the influential Warsangali clan in the broader SSC-Khaatumo initiative.
In response to growing concerns, both the technical committee and top leadership of SSC-Khaatumo have intensified efforts to address the grievances raised by various community representatives. The aim is to create a more inclusive and stable framework for building a functioning regional government.
Prominent SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali held a crucial meeting last night with the SSC-Khaatumo Council of Elders. The discussion focused on overcoming current obstacles, ensuring a smooth process, and advancing what he described as a “historic mission” to fulfill the collective aspirations of the SSC-Khaatumo population.
Meanwhile, members of the Khaatumo regional parliament convened an emergency session and resolved to proceed with the conference and complete the state formation process. They also announced plans to hold official elections following the conclusion of the summit.
However, political uncertainty lingers. Opposition politicians and presidential hopefuls—who have criticized the Federal Government’s handling of the SSC-Khaatumo issue—continue to voice their objections, casting doubt on the way forward.
Despite these challenges, momentum appears to be growing. The Somali Federal Government has appointed a technical committee to support the state-building efforts. This committee has arrived in Laascaanood, where the long-awaited conference on the future of SSC-Khaatumo is expected to be held.
As the region stands at a political crossroads, the outcome of the upcoming discussions will likely determine the trajectory of SSC-Khaatumo’s bid for full regional autonomy within Somalia’s federal framework.
