Friday, April 11, 2025 {HMC} – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced his plans to visit the city of Lasanod, the interim capital of the Khaatumo administration. The visit is considered historic, as it would be the first by a high-ranking official to the strategic city in northern Somalia’s Sool region in over half a century.
Significance of the Visit
Officials in Lasanod have confirmed the trip will take place, even though the official schedule hasn’t been released. Advance delegations have already arrived in the city, and locals are preparing enthusiastically for a grand reception. Posters featuring the Prime Minister’s image are being put up across the city, reflecting widespread public anticipation.
Prime Minister Hamza emphasized that his visit is intended to strengthen ties between the Federal Government and the Khaatumo administration, and that it should not be seen as an act that fosters division.
“My visit is about reinforcing the working relationship between Khaatumo and the Federal Government. It is not a visit meant to undermine any region or administration. It’s a journey of unity for all Somali people,” said Hamza.
He thanked the Khaatumo administration and its people for their patriotism and warm welcome—even before his arrival.
Khaatumo’s Declaration and Background
Khaatumo officially declared autonomy on August 25, 2023, after a lengthy conflict with Somaliland forces, who were eventually pushed out of strategic positions surrounding Lasanod. That conflict led to hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement.
The last visit by a high-level official to Lasanod ended in tragedy—President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke was assassinated there on October 15, 1969, during an official trip. His death triggered a military coup that brought General Mohamed Siad Barre to power, who ruled Somalia for 21 years. The soldier who carried out the assassination was executed.
This historical context partly explains the intensity and complexity of reactions to Hamza’s planned visit.
Mixed Reactions
While many Somalis view the visit as hopeful, the response from Somaliland has been critical. Somaliland, which claims independence from Somalia (though it remains unrecognized internationally), sees the visit as a breach of international norms.
Somaliland Presidential Spokesperson Hussein Adan Cigeh reiterated their claim to independence, calling it a legitimate and historical right based on the will of the people. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) emphasizing Somaliland’s self-governance.
Somaliland’s Information Minister, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali, went further, comparing Hamza’s move to Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Crimea, warning of consequences if federal officials set foot in areas Somaliland claims.
“If you go to Lasanod or Garowe, that’s your business. But we are ready to defend ourselves however necessary,” he said.
National and Regional Implications
Hamza’s visit has become the most talked-about political issue across Somalia. Political analysts see it as a potentially decisive moment in the long-standing dispute over Somaliland’s separatist ambitions.
Nabil Afrax, a political analyst from Puntland, said the visit challenges Somaliland’s secession narrative and could strengthen Somali unity. However, he noted that success depends on how the federal government manages relations with Khaatumo and Puntland, and whether the visit concludes peacefully.
Security Concerns
Security experts have raised concerns about possible threats to the Prime Minister during his visit—not just from Somaliland or Puntland, but also from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
Lasanod is located in the Sool region, between Hargeisa and Garowe—two cities that have long disputed ownership of the area since the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991.
After its 2023 declaration, Lasanod is now officially recognized by the federal government as part of the Khaatumo administration, which is being prepared to become a new federal member state.
Cultural and Historical Symbolism
Lasanod holds a deep historical legacy, closely tied to Somalia’s anti-colonial struggle. It lies near Taleh, the former headquarters of the Darawiish movement led by Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan.
Jaamac Ali, a driver in Lasanod, expressed optimism about the visit and suggested that a monument be built in honor of the legendary Somali freedom fighter.
“We will welcome the Prime Minister and protect him like an egg. If he comes, I hope he builds a grand monument in the center of town for Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan—the father of Somali resistance,” Jaamac said.
