Lascaanood (WDN) — Former Somali Minister of Planning and Head of the IGAD Climate Change Adaptation Center, Amb Gamaal Mohamed Hassan, was warmly received today in Lascaanood, the capital of the Sool region. His arrival coincides with a major political event: a state formation conference in Lascaanood, spearheaded by the Federal Government of Somalia. The conference seeks to finalize the formation of a joint SSC-Khaatumo and Maakhir administration—an initiative in which Ambassador Gamaal is expected to play a leading role, with speculation mounting over his potential candidacy for the presidency of the new regional government.
Amb. Gamaal, a prominent politician from the Maakhir region and a staunch supporter of uniting SSC-Khaatumo and Maakhir territories, addressed the media shortly after his arrival. He offered condolences for the recent deadly clashes in Dhahar town on July 15 and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing a unified administration that will stretch from Sool, Sanaag interior to the Gulf of Aden.
“You’ve heard the noise letters and meetings challenging our right to convene and organize? While people are being attacked and killed in Dhahar, I offer my condolences,” said Amb. Gamaal. “There is chaos among those who once laid claim to this land. Our best and most appropriate response is to complete this process, establish a representative administration, and ensure that this region and its people are no longer claimed or ruled by outsiders.”
His remarks referenced the recent armed confrontation in Dhahar between rival factions, underscoring the volatile political landscape and the urgency for a stable local administration.
In a Facebook post dated July 6, Amb Gamaal stated his long-standing vision for regional unity and development “Sanaag has long suffered from competing administrations, leading to political paralysis and underdevelopment in every sector—social, economic, and political. Now we have an opportunity to move beyond those divisions and establish a people-centered administration that reinforces national unity.”
He also expressed strong criticism of attempts to derail the Lascaanood conference, alluding to interference from Puntland authorities. Gamaal voiced support for the disrupted conference led by former Puntland Parliament Speaker Abdirashid, warning, “A peace conference cannot be stopped. Anyone attempting to sabotage or forcibly cancel this process will bear full responsibility for the consequences. The people of Sanaag have every right to determine their future and unite in peace.”
Although Amb Gamaal has yet to officially declare his candidacy for the presidency of the new administration, insiders say a formal announcement is expected by the conclusion of the conference. He confirmed that more details about his visit and political intentions would be shared in the coming days.
Gamaal, a former MP and Cabinet Minister during President Farmaajo’s administration under the Nabad and Nolol, has had a history of tense relations with the Puntland government.
As the conference in Lascaanood continues, Ambassador Gamaal’s presence signals a growing push for a new political order in northern Somalia—one that seeks to addres long-standing territorial disputes and offer a new path toward self-governance of Sool and Sanaag regions.
WardheerNews