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The Federal Government of Somalia has officially completed the formation of a new Northeastern administration, bringing the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) into the country’s federal system. This marks a major political milestone in Somalia’s state-building process and is being celebrated as a victory for unity and federalism.
The journey toward creating the Northeastern state began last year when local leaders in the SSC regions announced a transitional administration called SSC-Khaatumo. At the time, the move was described as a step toward greater self-governance and stability for communities in the contested areas.
The Ministry of Interior says the success of this new administration is the result of “consultation, perseverance, and strong determination.” Officials highlighted a series of important milestones that led to the official establishment of the Northeastern state.
One of the first steps was the approval of the state’s constitution during a regional conference held on July 30, 2025. This document laid the foundation for governance structures and outlined the principles guiding the new administration. Shortly after, on August 17, an 83-member regional parliament was chosen to represent the people of the SSC regions. This was followed on August 23 by the election of the Speakers of Parliament, ensuring that legislative leadership was in place.
The process reached its peak on August 30, when regional lawmakers elected Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, as president of the new state, and Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril as vice president. Both leaders were sworn in at a ceremony held in Las Anod, the capital of the new administration.
Somalia’s Interior Minister, who personally spent 53 days in Las Anod overseeing the process, praised the patience and cooperation of local residents. He also thanked traditional elders, scholars, civil society members, and the Technical Committee for Administrative Formation for their role in facilitating discussions and building public confidence. According to the Ministry, the peaceful consultations and inclusive dialogue helped ensure that the new administration reflects the will of the people in the region.
In a statement, the Ministry described the creation of the Northeastern state as “a major achievement for the people of the region and a symbol of unity, solidarity, and the consolidation of Somalia’s federal system.” The federal government has long argued that stronger regional states are essential to bringing governance closer to communities, boosting development, and strengthening national stability.
Following the announcement, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated Firdhiye and Jibril on their election victories. They emphasized that the successful completion of the process is not only a political win but also a step toward healing divisions and bringing long-marginalized regions more fully into the national fold.
Firdhiye, who had been serving as interim leader of SSC-Khaatumo, became the consensus choice after other rivals stepped aside and lawmakers shifted their support in his favor. His election was widely welcomed by Mogadishu. Meanwhile, his deputy, Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril, is a well-known figure who previously served as a speaker in the Puntland parliament and is also recognized as a poet. His close ties to Firdhiye are seen as strengthening the new leadership team.
However, some critics have accused the federal government of exerting too much influence over the process. Opposition groups claim Mogadishu favored specific candidates and interfered in local decision-making. Despite these criticisms, the overall mood in Las Anod has been one of cautious optimism, with many residents hopeful that the new state will bring stability and development.
The creation of the Northeastern state is expected to have long-term political implications. It strengthens Somalia’s federal structure by integrating the SSC regions more firmly into the national system. For many, it also symbolizes a new chapter of cooperation between the federal government and local communities who have often felt neglected or caught between competing regional authorities.
As Somalia continues to navigate its complex path toward unity and peace, the establishment of the Northeastern state stands out as an example of what can be achieved through dialogue, persistence, and compromise.