Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – A source close to Abdiqadir Aw-Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo administration, informed Kaab TV that Firdhiye declined to participate in a planned press conference at the request of Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre.
Prime Minister Hamse had intended to hold the press conference with Firdhiye on Wednesday, following the National Consultative Council (GWQ) meetings held at Villa Somalia from May 5 to 7. Firdhiye’s administration, which seeks formal recognition from the Federal Government for Khatumo as a federal member state, took part in the GWQ meetings for the first time.
The meeting’s final communique officially acknowledged Khatumo, and the Ministry of Interior was tasked with organizing a conference to complete the region’s administrative formation.
However, according to the source, Firdhiye withdrew from the press event after learning that the Prime Minister planned to use it to criticize the Jubbaland and Puntland administrations. Firdhiye reportedly did not want to be associated with such remarks and opted to step back, effectively issuing an apology for not participating.
This development highlights the delicate political balancing act in Somalia, as federal leaders navigate competing regional interests and alliances.