Monday July 14 2025 {HMC} A high-level conference to finalize the formation of the newly recognized SSC-Khaatumo regional state officially opened on Sunday in Las Anod, the administrative capital of the Sool region.
The event was attended by senior national and regional leaders, including Second Deputy Speaker of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament, Senator Abdullahi Timacadde; Federal Minister of Interior Ali Yusuf Ali (Xoosh); SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye; several federal ministers; and members of parliament.
Traditional leaders from SSC-Khaatumo, official delegates, and representatives from various sectors of society also participated in the conference, which marks a critical milestone in establishing institutional governance and federal representation for the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Interior Minister Ali Xoosh emphasized the national importance of the conference.
“The work underway in Las Anod is essential to Somalia’s state-building and national unity,” said Minister Xoosh. “The SSC-Khaatumo community has made a bold decision to form a legitimate regional state, grounded in a constitution that reflects the will of its people. The Federal Government supports this process as a step toward unity, development, and restoring public trust in the government.”
Minister Xoosh noted two key priorities of the conference: completing the structure of the regional state and laying the foundation for democratic elections.
The conference is expected to formalize SSC-Khaatumo’s transition from an interim authority to a full-fledged federal member state. The Federal Government of Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo earlier this year, following months of conflict with Somaliland forces and significant shifts in political alliances across northern Somalia.
