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Several candidates running for the presidency of SSC-Khaatumo have voiced strong concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming state finalization conference scheduled for Thursday in Las Anod. They are accusing the region’s interim president, Abdikhadar Ahmed Aw-Cali Firdhiye, of attempting to manipulate the process in order to secure re-election.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the candidates claimed that the conference lacks transparency and fairness, especially in how delegates were selected. One of the main complaints centered on the underrepresentation of the Warsangeli clan. According to the candidates, individuals without proper backing from their clans have been chosen to participate in the conference, raising questions about the event’s credibility.
“This is not a conference we recognize,” said Mohamed Abdi Ismail Shiine, the Vice President of SSC-Khaatumo and also a presidential hopeful. “We were not consulted, and the process is clearly being manipulated to benefit certain individuals.”
Shiine directly accused interim President Firdhiye of steering the process in his favor with support from the Federal Government of Somalia. He warned that continuing with the conference without addressing these issues could lead to serious consequences.
Another presidential candidate, Abdirisaq Khalif Ahmed—who previously served as the Speaker of the Somaliland Parliament—echoed similar concerns. While he appreciated the involvement of the Federal Government, he criticized the way the process has been handled.
“It’s clear that someone is trying to control the outcome behind closed doors,” Abdirisaq said. “We welcome the support of the Federal Government, but it must be impartial. If the agreed process is ignored, it will only create more conflict and instability.”
Despite these allegations, the SSC-Khaatumo State Finalization Conference Organizing Committee announced that the event will go ahead as planned in Las Anod. The committee emphasized the importance of the conference in transitioning from an interim administration to a permanent and fully functioning state government.
The finalization conference is seen as a key moment for SSC-Khaatumo, which was officially recognized as a federal member state by the Somali Federal Government earlier this year. This recognition came after months of violent clashes between local forces and Somaliland troops, as well as shifting political developments in northern Somalia.
Tensions have been high in the lead-up to the conference, as different groups within SSC-Khaatumo push for more inclusive and transparent governance. Critics say the current process risks deepening divisions rather than uniting the region under a legitimate and representative government.
In response to these concerns, some community leaders and elders have called for dialogue among all stakeholders. They argue that only through inclusive discussions and fair representation can the region move forward peacefully and effectively.
With the conference scheduled to begin on Thursday, all eyes are now on Las Anod to see whether the process will proceed smoothly or face disruptions due to the growing political rift.
As the SSC-Khaatumo state attempts to move from a transitional government to a permanent one, the outcome of this conference could play a significant role in shaping its future political stability and legitimacy.