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Puntland authorities have declared that they do not recognize the SSC-Khaatumo administration, stating that there is no legal basis for the formation of a separate regional government by the Dhulbahante community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Puntland Ministry of Interior acknowledged the Dhulbahante community’s contribution in the February 2023 re-liberation of Las Anod from Somaliland control. However, the ministry rejected the idea of a new administration in the area, stressing that all clans living in Sool, Cayn, and Dhulbahante areas have been part of Puntland since its establishment in 1998.
“The Puntland government clearly states that there is no legal framework that permits the Dhulbahante community to form a separate administration,” the ministry said.
Puntland also criticized the Federal Government of Somalia, accusing it of interfering in its internal matters. The regional government warned that such actions could create instability in the area and give room for terrorist groups like al-Shabaab and ISIS to take advantage of the situation.
The statement from Puntland comes at a time when the SSC-Khaatumo leadership is holding a major conference in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region. The goal of the meeting is to complete the transition of SSC-Khaatumo from a temporary administration into a full federal member state.
In response to Puntland’s remarks, SSC-Khaatumo Vice President Dr. Mohamed Ismail Shiine strongly defended the legitimacy of his administration.
“The existence of SSC is not up for debate,” he said. “The statement from the Puntland Ministry of Interior is unfortunate. SSC-Khaatumo is part of the federal system of Somalia, and no one has the right to question that.”
The conflict over recognition is rooted in long-standing territorial and political disputes in northern Somalia. The Dhulbahante community, which primarily inhabits the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions, has historically been caught between the claims of both Puntland and Somaliland.
In early 2023, following heavy clashes with Somaliland forces, local leaders and elders in the region declared the formation of the SSC-Khaatumo administration to represent the interests of the Dhulbahante people. Their goal was to join Somalia’s federal system as a separate member state, independent of both Puntland and Somaliland.
After months of fighting and political negotiation, the Federal Government of Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo earlier this year, a move that has sparked sharp criticism from Puntland.
Puntland sees the recognition as a threat to its territorial integrity and fears that it sets a precedent that could lead to the fragmentation of other regions. It insists that the Dhulbahante areas have been part of Puntland’s political and administrative structure for over two decades and should remain so.
However, SSC-Khaatumo leaders argue that their move to form a separate administration is based on the will of the local people, who no longer wish to be part of Puntland or Somaliland. They claim that their aim is to ensure peace, representation, and development for their community through direct integration into Somalia’s federal system.
The dispute reflects deeper political challenges in Somalia, where the process of state-building is still ongoing, and regional claims often clash with national interests. With tensions rising, observers fear that continued disagreements could destabilize the area and affect efforts to maintain peace and security in northern Somalia.
As the SSC-Khaatumo conference in Las Anod continues, all eyes are on how the Somali Federal Government, Puntland, and local leaders will navigate this delicate situation and whether dialogue can help avoid further conflict.