Four former members of the SSC-Khaatumo Parliament have officially declared their allegiance to Somaliland, marking a significant political setback for the newly established regional administration as competition over the disputed Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions intensifies.
In a joint statement issued on July 29, the four former lawmakers—Makhtal Sa’id Mohamed, Ahmed Caabbi Hassan, Sidiq Jama Muse, and Ahmed Ali Mohamed—announced that they had decided to align themselves with Somaliland after what they described as a careful assessment of the political situation, the future of the SSC regions, and the interests of the communities they represent.
“From this day forward, we announce to the public that we have become part of the Republic of Somaliland,” the statement said.
The former legislators pledged to support Somaliland’s administration, arguing that unity, good governance, the rule of law, and institutional stability offer the best path toward lasting peace and development.
They said their decision was motivated not only by political considerations but also by a desire to strengthen public institutions, improve public services, and safeguard the rights and welfare of local communities.
Their announcement came just days after the SSC-Khaatumo Parliament formally stripped the four lawmakers of their parliamentary seats following their resignations.
The motion was approved by 57 lawmakers, surpassing the two-thirds majority required under the parliament’s internal rules.
The four were among five lawmakers who had resigned from the SSC-Khaatumo legislature. While the four have now publicly aligned themselves with Somaliland, the fifth former lawmaker has yet to announce his political affiliation.
Former SSC-Khaatumo lawmaker Fahiima Yusuf Abdullahi Quuje welcomed the decision, describing the lawmakers’ move as courageous.
The four are expected to receive an official public reception in Hargeisa in the coming days. They are currently in Gabiley ahead of the planned ceremony.
SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdiqadir Aw Ali Firdhiye condemned the lawmakers’ decision, saying it does not reflect the wishes of the people living in areas administered by SSC-Khaatumo.
The defections highlight the continuing political rivalry between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo over the future of the disputed Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions.
Somaliland considers the territories an integral part of its self-declared republic, while SSC-Khaatumo maintains that they belong within Somalia’s federal system and is seeking formal recognition as a Federal Member State of Somalia.