Las Anod, Somalia (WDN)— Somalia’s federal government affirms the status of SSC-Khatumo to an interim federal administration on Friday during Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre’s high-stakes visit to Las Anod, a move Somaliland condemned as a “flagrant violation” of its territorial claims.

The contentious city, which SSC-Khatumo forces seized from Somaliland in 2023, transitioned from a disputed zone to a federally recognized interim administration under Mogadishu’s authority as Barre’s delegation arrived. This grants SSC-Khatumo provisional governance rights within Somalia’s federal framework, with Las Anod designated its temporary capital.

“Today, SSC-Khatumo is no longer a region in limbo but an interim administration working hand-in-hand with the Somali Federal Government,” declared SSC-Khatumo leader Abdulkadir Firdhiye, flanked by PM Barre. “This is a transitional step toward lasting stability and full integration.”

Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence in 1991, rejected the move outright. Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan called it “a desperate gambit by Mogadishu to legitimize its meddling,” adding, “Somaliland’s borders, including Las Anod, are non-negotiable. This theatrics changes nothing.”

PM Barre’s visit, marked by the inauguration of a hospital and pledges to upgrade roads and schools, was hailed by SSC-Khatumo people as a “victory for self-determination.” Jubilant crowds greeted the Prime Minister, chanting federalist slogans as Somali flags adorned the city.

“Our constitution empowers us to embrace all Somali territories through dialogue and law,” Barre said. “This interim status ensures SSC-Khatumo’s needs are prioritized while formalizing their role in national decision-making.”

Analysts interpreted the interim designation as a tactical compromise. “Calling it an ‘administration’ rather than a full member state lets Mogadishu assert authority without immediately inflaming Somaliland further,” said Mogadishu-based political scholar Farah Aden. “But it’s still a direct challenge to Hargeisa’s sovereignty narrative.”

Somaliland’s response leaned heavily on symbolism. Ahmed Fahmy, the region’s Sool chairman in name only—a figure absent on the ground and existing solely in Somaliland’s bureaucratic records—issued a statement vowing to “reclaim every inch of our land.” Observers dismissed the threat as hollow, noting Somaliland’s dwindling influence in Sool since its 2023 defeat.

The U.S. Embassy, previously accused by Somaliland of backing Barre’s trip, reiterated its stance: “We support Somali-led solutions but urge all parties to avoid unilateral actions that risk escalation.”

For SSC-Khatumo residents, the interim status brought renewed hope. “This means schools, clinics, and security funded by Mogadishu,” said local teacher Hodan Ahmed. “But more than that, it means we are seen—no longer ghosts in our own land.”

Yet challenges persist. The region remains volatile, with reports of sporadic clashes between SSC-Khatumo forces and Somaliland-aligned militias. Meanwhile, Mogadishu faces pressure to formalize SSC-Khatumo’s status permanently—a step that could deepen tensions with Hargeisa.

As dusk settled, Somaliland’s protests rang faint against Las Anod’s celebratory fireworks. With Somalia’s federal flag now hoisted over the city, the Horn of Africa’s fragile balance tilts toward an uncertain future—one where interim solution test the limits of diplomacy, and the voices of SSC-Khatumo’s people echo louder than ever.

WardheerNews