A New Phase Begins: SSC‑Khaatumo Advances Toward Federal Member State Status

Laasanood (KAAB TV) – SSC‑Khaatumo, the administration representing the disputed Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions, has entered a critical new phase in its transition to full federal recognition within Somalia’s constitutional framework.

On May 8, 2025, Somalia’s National Consultative Council (NCC) formally recognized SSC‑Khaatumo as a Federal Member State, underscoring a landmark advancement in inclusive governance and federal unity.

The designation empowers the administration to take part in national policymaking and national dialogues and legitimizes its constitutional authority advancing the Provisional Constitution’s mandate.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali (Ali Xoosh) reaffirmed SSC‑Khaatumo’s strategic national role in early May, announcing federal government plans to extend institutional services—such as voter registration and administrative offices—across SSC‑administered areas. He heralded SSC‑Khaatumo as “central to Somalia’s unity and future development”.

In July 2025, a high‑level foundational conference to finalize the formation of SSC‑Khaatumo began in Las Anod. The event gathered a broad range of stakeholders—including federal ministers, parliamentary leaders, SSC‑Khaatumo officials, and traditional clan elders—to shape the region’s administrative and political structure moving forward.

Crucially, the conference is charged with establishing transparent, constitutional institutions and delineating governance frameworks in line with Somalia’s provisional constitution.

Furthering regional reconciliation efforts, on April 15–16, 2025, SSC‑Khaatumo transferred 25 Somaliland prisoners to the federal government in Mogadishu. This symbolic gesture followed a freeze on hostilities and signals growing willingness to engage with Somaliland under defined conditions for peace—mediated in part through Somali federal channels.

Despite progress, conflicts persist. In January 2025, Somaliland forces captured Jiidali, a contested town in eastern Sanaag near Erigavo, representing a strategic setback for SSC‑Khaatumo forces and reinforcing military stalemate in the region.

Moreover, clashes in late 2024 in Buuhoodle further underscored ongoing fractious dynamics between SSC‑Khaatumo-affiliated militias and Somaliland-linked forces.

SSC‑Khaatumo’s current trajectory reflects a deliberate push toward institutional legitimacy. The federal government has affirmed its support through legislative recognition, high‑profile visits, and the planned rollout of government services.

The foundational conference in Las Anod is expected to not only formalize administrative balances but also legitimize local governance structures in line with Somalia’s democratic principles.

As negotiations with Somaliland continue—fronted by cautious prisoner exchanges and international mediation—the region stands at a crossroads: either stabilization through constructive political inclusion or escalating competition over contested territory.

The coming months will be crucial as SSC‑Khaatumo finalizes its federal institutions and engages both opponents and allies in securing its role within the Somali federation.

Key Developments at a Glance

This marks a transformative period in Somalia’s federal journey: one where contested territories formally integrate, dialogue becomes institutionalized, and nation-building may gain renewed momentum.