Monday September 1, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali federal government has
officially completed the process of establishing the Northeastern
administration, integrating the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions into the federal
structure of Somalia.
The process, described as a product of “consultation,
perseverance, and strong determination,” began last year when local leaders
formed a transitional administration known as SSC-Khaatumo.
According to the Ministry of Interior, key milestones
included, the approval of the administrative constitution at a regional
conference on July 30, 2025, the selection of an 83-member regional parliament
on August 17, the election of the new Speakers of Parliament on August 23, and
the election of the president and vice president of the new state on August
30.
The Interior Minister spent 53 days in Las Anod to oversee
the formation process, expressing gratitude to traditional elders, scholars,
civil society, and residents of the region for their patience and
contributions. The government also praised the Technical Committee for
Administrative Formation for facilitating consultations and building public
confidence.
The Ministry described the creation of the Northeastern
state as “a major achievement for the people of the region and a symbol of
unity, solidarity, and the consolidation of Somalia’s federal system.”
On Saturday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime
Minister Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as
Firdhiye, and Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril following their election as president and
vice president of the new state in Las Anod.
Firdhiye, who previously served as interim leader of
SSC-Khaatumo, secured the presidency after rivals withdrew and lawmakers
realigned their votes. Jibril, a former Puntland parliament speaker and poet
close to Firdhiye, was elected deputy president. Both men were widely seen as
Mogadishu’s preferred candidates—a perception that fueled opposition
allegations of federal interference in the process.