By Abdirahman Dahir Osman
Former Minister of Education of the Federal Government of Somalia and an education specialist

In 2022, residents of Laascaanood took to the streets in mass protests following a wave of assassinations targeting local figures and in response to mounting pressure from the Somaliland administration. What started as a youth-led demonstration quickly evolved into a regional uprising, engulfing towns and villages across the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions. The eight-month conflict that followed claimed more than 800 lives, displaced thousands, and devastated infrastructure. In a decisive moment, Laasanood’s Garads, led by Garad Jama, declared resistance with the painstakingly call “Gala Dagaalka” “Go to war” mobilizing moral and material support from the Puntland State, the Federal Government of Somalia, and Somalis across the globe.

This movement culminated in SSC Khaatumo’s unilateral declaration of independence from Somaliland and the creation of a two-year transitional government, led by Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali AKA Firdiye, in partnership with the Federal Government. With the transitional mandate now expired, stakeholders have gathered in Laasanood to deliberate SSC’s path toward formal federalization aiming to become a full-fledged Federal Member State, equal to Puntland, Galmudug, HirShabelle, and others. The moment is historic and full of promise, but not without risk.

A cautionary relate: What HirShabelle teaches us

In 2016, HirShabelle was created through the controversial merger of Hiiraan and Middle Shabeelle, against fierce opposition particularly from Hiiraan’s traditional elders and the Hawadle clan. Despite multiple negotiation attempts, the merger was enforced through political uncomplicatedness. Ten years later, HirShabelle remains Somalia’s least developed federal state, mired in internal disputes and governance stagnation. Its formation process highlights three critical missteps that SSC-Khaatumo must not repeat:

1. Rushed timeline

The HirShabelle process was expedited without sufficient time to address the complexity and sensitivities of regional dynamics.

2. Misreading social and power realities

Key community leaders were excluded, and the process failed to reflect socio-economic disparities and clan structures, undermining legitimacy from inception.

3. No guiding principles

The federation lacked essential safeguards:

• Constitutional legality and fairness
• Genuine public consent
• Preservation of regional identities
• Commitment to peace-building over conflict

Without these elements, HirShabelle became a shell of federalism imposed by decree, rather than consensus where peace building was never prioritized.

Recommendations for SSC- Khaatumo’s federal transition

Drawing on direct experience from advising the HirShabelle process, I recommend a phased and principled approach for SSC:

Phase I: Community consultation (3 Months)

1) Led by Garad Jama, Suldan Said, and other genuine traditional authorities

• Supported by Puntland elders and technical facilitators
• Discussions focused on:
  • Legitimacy of federalization
  • Power-sharing frameworks
  • Location of the capital
  • Relationship with Puntland
• Guided by core values: legality, fairness, unity, and inclusivity

Phase II: Institutional formation (3 Months)

• Selection of parliamentary members
• Transparent election of speaker and president
• Strong partnership with the Federal Government
• Built on accountability and public trust

A total six-month timeline will allow for meaningful dialogue, planning, and inclusive implementation free from political manipulation or external pressure.

Beyond titles: Building real federalism

True federalism goes beyond titles, it demands trust, dignity, and equitable representation. Without genuine engagement, SSC-Khaatumo risks becoming another hollow construct much like HirShabelle a state on paper but disconnected from its people’s needs and aspirations. As Laasanood hosts this historic conference, leaders must resist the temptation of expediency. The process must reflect wisdom, unity, and transparency because the outcome will shape not just SSC’s future, but Somalia’s trajectory as a whole.

The question remains: Will SSC-Khaatumo learn from the past or repeat it?

Cabdiraxmaan Daahir Cusmaan  
Email: buulaay1@gmail.com
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Abdirahman is a former Minister of Education of the Federal Government of Somalia and an education specialist.