Laascaanood (Kaab TV) – The Supreme Traditional Leader of the Dhulbahante clan in SSC-Khaatumo, Garaad Jama Garaad Ali, has strongly opposed a proposed conference being organized by the Federal Government of Somalia in Laascaanood, citing lack of consultation and growing concerns over regional tensions.
In a press conference held Friday, Garaad Jama criticized the arrival of a federal delegation led by Interior Minister Cali Jibriil Hosh, which reached Laascaanood on Thursday.
The delegation claimed it was preparing for a conference aimed at finalizing the SSC-Khaatumo administration, currently operating in parts of the Sool region.
However, Garaad Jama stated that there had been no prior agreement or consultation on the event and warned that any attempt to impose decisions without consensus could threaten the hard-won progress of the SSC-Khaatumo people.
“I oppose any process that lacks broad agreement, is incomplete, and puts at risk what our people have sacrificed so much for,” Garaad Jama said. “I am not aware of any consultation regarding the planned conference in Laascaanood.”
Garaad Jama also condemned what he described as previous marginalization of the SSC-Khaatumo community and warned against repeating past mistakes.
His remarks come amid growing tensions in the Sanaag region, where a recent visit by a group of politicians and armed forces—allegedly supported by the Federal Government—has raised alarm.
He expressed strong opposition to federal interference in the affairs of the Warsangali clan in Sanaag and warned that the same form of external rule rejected by the people of Sool 15 years ago should not be imposed on others today.
“What I resisted for 15 years—a plan imposed from elsewhere to govern our people—we cannot accept again,” he said.
Garaad Jama apologized to the clans in Sanaag and called for internal dialogue within the SSC-Khaatumo community before seeking support or integration with other regions.
The plan to incorporate parts of Sanaag into SSC-Khaatumo has also been rejected by Puntland authorities and traditional elders from the region. Sanaag is currently contested between Puntland and Somaliland.
The planned conference, which has stirred political tension across Sool, Sanaag, and Puntland, is reportedly scheduled to begin on Tuesday, July 15.