Lasaanood (KAAB TV) – Presidential candidates vying for leadership of the newly formed Northeast Somalia administration have issued a joint statement denouncing what they describe as unconstitutional interference by the Federal Government of Somalia in the formation of the region’s new parliament. The primary target of their criticism is the Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Ali (commonly known as Ali Hoosh), whom they accuse of bias and political manipulation.
In their official press release, the candidates expressed strong disapproval of the committee established by the Interior Ministry to verify and approve members of the new regional parliament. They argue that the committee was formed without constitutional legitimacy and without consultation with local stakeholders, thereby undermining the democratic process.
“The Minister of Interior is actively supporting a specific candidate and steering the administrative formation process toward a predetermined outcome,” the statement read. “Such actions undermine the integrity of the political process, fuel division, and could lead to communal conflict.”
The candidates warned that the minister’s actions risk damaging the fragile political trust among local communities and may erode the confidence of the international community in Somalia’s decentralization efforts. They firmly stated that they will not recognize or accept an electoral process that is skewed to favor any particular candidate, nor one that is not based on genuine political consensus and dialogue with key local stakeholders.
This emerging political crisis adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious birth of the Northeast Somalia administration. Puntland, a neighboring federal member state, has strongly rejected the formation of the new administration, asserting that the territory in question falls under its jurisdiction. Puntland officials have accused the Federal Government of violating the Somali constitution by forcibly involving itself in a region they claim is not yet politically mature enough for formal elections.
Meanwhile, Somaliland has also condemned the creation of the Northeast Somalia administration, calling it an infringement on its claimed territorial boundaries. Officials in Hargeisa have labeled the development as illegal and provocative.
Despite the mounting opposition, the Northeast Somalia administration was officially inaugurated on July 30, 2025, during a large gathering held in Lasaanood. At that meeting, delegates formally ratified the constitution of the new administration, marking a significant milestone in its establishment.
As political tensions escalate, it remains unclear how the federal government, Puntland, and Somaliland will navigate the emerging power dynamics in the region. The coming weeks may prove critical in determining the stability and legitimacy of the Northeast Somalia administration.