Mogadishu (WDN)-The anticipated visit of Prime Minister Hamse to Las Anod, the capital of the SSC-Khatumo Interim Administration, has been warmly welcomed by the local population and regional leadership. However, certain members of the Somaliland Parliament and political figures have issued provocative statements in response, raising concerns about heightened tensions and the potential undermining peace and stability in Somalia and across the broader Horn of Africa region.

While the Prime Minister’s office confirmed his upcoming visit as part of efforts to strengthen federal ties with SSC-Khatumo, politicians in Hargeisa appear that they still have a say in the matter.

“Hamse’s plane will fly, but it won’t land,” bellowed MP Abdi Timajilic. MP Abdirahman Shaad was no less dramatic, vowing to “spray with bullets” Hamse if he dares to set foot in what he still insists is Somaliland territory.

“Hamse will regret it,” warned Ahmed Fahmy, Somaliland’s ‘governor’ of Sool.

SSC-Khatumo, now running its own affairs from Las Anod, is a self-administered Somali region recognized and engaged by the Federal Government of Somalia. To many observers, Somaliland’s threats sound less like policy and more like wishful thinking. The era of Somaliland’s military posturing in Sool and Sanaag seems to have expired — quite loudly.

Las Anod, now a political and symbolic stronghold for SSC-Khatumo, has been at the heart of this transformation. The region is not only under SSC control but also solidly aligned with Somalia’s federal structure — a fact Somaliland continues to deny.

Despite Somaliland’s threats, Prime Minister Hamse’s visit is expected to go ahead.

WardheerNews