Statement of Concern Regarding Administrative Restructuring in the Somali Regional State By Geri elders and members of the community

Dear Members of the Prosperity Party Leadership,

We, the undersigned elders and community members of the Geri clan, representing communities across Doolo, Daakhato, and Faafan zones within the Somali Regional State (SRS) and in those in the diaspora, are compelled to bring to your urgent attention our collective concern over recent administrative developments approved by the regional government under the leadership of H.E. President Mustafe Muhumed Omar.

Following the July 26 parliamentary endorsement of a new administrative map proposed by the executive body of the SRS, which includes the creation of districts and urban centers, we express our deep dismay at what we perceive as a deliberate erosion of the federal principles that underpin the unity and stability of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The elders and community members of the Geri clan unanimously view this restructuring as deeply flawed, exclusionary in design, and politically motivated leading the country into further conflict and instability. It does not reflect the demographic, economic reality, historical settlement patterns, or development priorities of the people of the Somali region. This decision, taken without meaningful consultation and studies, has further marginalized long-established communities—particularly in Geri-inhabited areas—that continue to bear the brunt of historical neglect, insecurity, and territorial pressure from neighboring regions. One of the President’s cabinet members told the parliament during approval that one of the criteria used to reward communities was the political influence of groups perceived to have muscle. 

Our concerns are not new. We have consistently raised grievances about land rights, governance representation, and the effects of sustained conflict. Yet, the current administration has failed to acknowledge or address these issues. This most recent decision, rather than fostering inclusion and equity, deepens the sense of disenfranchisement and exclusion. At this point in time, we are not calling for our desperate move to address our concerns, which is to place our regions under the jurisdiction of the Federal government, as did several marginalized groups. However, we reserve the right for future consideration.

Meanwhile, we respectfully submit the following demands and recommendations for your immediate consideration:

1. Immediate Reversal of the Administrative Changes
We call for the annulment of the July 26 parliamentary resolution, which we believe was enacted without broad-based consultation or consideration for fair and inclusive development.

2. Alignment with Traditional Somali Leadership
We urge the Prosperity Party to recognize and uphold the consensus view of traditional Somali elders, who have overwhelmingly opposed the restructuring plan as unjust and destabilizing.

3. Legal and Institutional Review
We intend to pursue all legal avenues to challenge the legitimacy of this resolution. We call for a comprehensive review and inclusive dialogue process involving all affected communities.

4. Revisit District and Regional Formation to restructure district and city formation based on population size. It is not the size of land that leads representation of communities; it is the size of the population; a system not used in the Somali region.

5. Appeal for Regional Solidarity
We call upon all Somali communities within the region to stand in unity for peace, equitable development, and the preservation of communal harmony. This must be done through lawful and democratic means, resisting any governance framework rooted in injustice or political favoritism.

This statement is not a declaration of defiance, but a principled stand for justice, dialogue, and the rightful recognition of historically significant communities. We remain committed to peaceful engagement and the federal spirit that has guided Ethiopia’s governance structure.

We trust that the Prosperity Party will give this matter the seriousness it deserves and take appropriate steps to prevent further disenfranchisement and potential instability in the Somali Regional State.

Wa Bilaahi Towfiiq
The Elders and members of the Geri Clan Representing communities within Ethiopia and in the diaspora