SSC-Khatumo’s Recognition Tests Somali Leaders’ Unity Claims

Mogadishu (WDN)– Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s recent visit to Las Anod marked one of the most politically significant developments in the country in recent months. It was historic not only for the unprecedented nature of the visit but also for what it symbolized: the de facto recognition of the SSC-Khatumo administration by the Federal Government of Somalia.

The Prime Minister’s visit was welcomed by the residents of Las Anod, and the peaceful reception signaled a turning point. For the first time, SSC-Khatumo secured federal acknowledgment, paving the way for its potential inclusion in the National Consultative Council and participation in national decision-making processes—privileges typically reserved for federal member states.

Widespread Public Support, Political Silence

While the public response across Somalia largely celebrated SSC-Khatumo’s recognition, the silence from key political stakeholders—particularly opposition leaders and federal member state presidents—raised eyebrows.

Despite opposition from Somaliland, whose long-standing claim over Las Anod made its rejection expected, many questioned why other Somali leaders remained quiet. The muted response has been widely interpreted as politically calculated.

Presidential Aspirants Weigh Costs Over Principles

Prominent political figures, especially presidential contenders, often campaign on slogans of unity and nationalism. Yet, their failure to congratulate SSC-Khatumo suggests a gap between rhetoric and action. Analysts say these politicians fear losing parliamentary support from Somaliland, which commands 57 seats in both houses of parliament—compared to SSC-Khatumo’s 10 legislators (eight MPs and two senators).

In the arithmetic of Somali politics, numbers often trump principles. For many aspirants, supporting SSC-Khatumo could be seen as alienating Somaliland’s influential bloc—making silence the more convenient political choice.

Only a few senior statesmen, including former Prime Ministers  Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, and Abdi Farah Shirdon (Saacid), as well as Galmudug’s own Deputy President Ali Dahir Eid, openly congratulated the SSC-Khatumo administration. By contrast, notable figures such as Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, Hassan Ali Khaire, Sheikh Hassan Sheikh Adan, and Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have remained silent.

Federal Member States: Calculated Distance

Equally puzzling has been the silence from federal member states. Jubaland and Puntland—regions expected to be most aligned with SSC-Khatumo—did not issue statements of support. Observers suggest that their reluctance may stem from political rivalries with Prime Minister Hamza rather than any opposition to Khatumo itself.

Puntland, in particular, has yet to publicly clarify its stance on whether SSC-Khatumo territory falls within its jurisdiction—a key factor fueling the ambiguity. Jubaland, whose president Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) once claimed he exited the NCC forum over Khatumo’s exclusion, also failed to send a delegation to Las Anod.

Meanwhile, leaders in Hirshabelle and Southwest appear to be focused on broader political calculations involving Benadir region representation and the evolving balance of power within the federal system.

A National Test of Unity and Integrity

SSC-Khatumo’s recognition poses a fundamental question for Somali politics: is unity a principle or merely a campaign slogan? While the people of Las Anod celebrated what they view as long-overdue recognition, many of the country’s political elites continue to weigh their next moves through the lens of electoral math rather than national cohesion. With elections looming, the choices made today will echo loudly. The silence surrounding SSC-Khatumo’s recognition may ultimately reveal more about the nature of Somali politics than the speeches made on unity

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