Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Sanaag and Haylaan elders reject participation in SSC-Khaatumo administration, issuing a firm statement that underscores deepening tensions over territorial claims and clan representation in northern Somalia. The declaration, made on Wednesday in Garowe, comes just days before a major political conference in Las Anod aimed at finalizing the SSC-Khaatumo State structure.
Traditional leaders from both Sanaag and Haylaan regions emphasized that their territories remain integral parts of Puntland, citing historical ties and administrative continuity since the state’s founding in 1998. They denied authorizing any representatives to attend the SSC-Khaatumo State Completion Conference and rejected claims that their communities had endorsed the new federal member state recognized by Mogadishu in October 2023.
“No legitimate political decision has been made to align our regions with SSC-Khaatumo,” the elders stated, adding that no clan-level consultations or consensus meetings had taken place. They demanded a formal apology from SSC-Khaatumo leaders for what they described as interference in the internal affairs of Sanaag and Haylaan, accusing the administration of undermining regional harmony and stability.
The elders also appealed to the international community, stressing that they are not party to any new administration or political agreement. They urged the Federal Government of Somalia to uphold its constitutional duties and avoid actions that could incite division among closely linked clans. “Political meddling could destabilize the fragile peace in northern Somalia,” they warned.
Their statement directly challenges the legitimacy of a delegation led by former Puntland Parliament Speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, who arrived in Las Anod earlier this week claiming to represent Sanaag and Haylaan. Jibriil accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of deploying 5,000 troops to pressure local residents and exploit regional resources. He asserted that his communities were ready to pursue independence from both Puntland and Somaliland.
The elders’ rejection highlights a growing rift between Puntland, the federal government, and SSC-Khaatumo over territorial control and clan representation. Puntland has consistently maintained that the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions are constitutionally part of its territory. SSC-Khaatumo, on the other hand, seeks full autonomy and federal recognition, citing marginalization and security concerns.
The situation remains volatile as preparations continue for the Las Anod conference, which SSC-Khaatumo leaders hope will solidify their administrative framework. However, the absence of consensus from key regions like Sanaag and Haylaan threatens to derail the process and deepen political fragmentation.
Observers warn that the escalating dispute could reignite conflict in areas already grappling with insecurity and humanitarian challenges. The contested regions sit at a strategic crossroads between Somaliland, Puntland, and Ethiopia’s Somali region, making them a flashpoint for political rivalry and clan-based tensions.
While SSC-Khaatumo defends its engagement with the federal government as a rightful assertion of autonomy, Puntland insists that any change to its territorial boundaries must result from inclusive consultation and consensus. The elders’ statement reinforces this stance, calling for development and security efforts to be reinforced within Puntland’s framework.
As Somalia prepares for its 2026 elections and transitions to full security ownership under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM), the need for clarity, dialogue, and constitutional adherence is more urgent than ever. The rejection by Sanaag and Haylaan elders sends a clear message: not all communities are on board with the SSC-Khaatumo project, and any attempt to redraw boundaries without broad-based agreement risks destabilizing the region.