Horumar

19.10.2023: Mogadishu, Somalia

Written by Suldan Mohamed

In a ground-breaking decision that took many observers by surprise, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has officially recognised SSC-Khaatumo as a transitional Federal Member State (FMS) of the Somali Republic as the region begins its two-year transition to become a full FMS.

Speaking before the Somali nation, Somalia’s Interior Minister Ahmed Fiqi announced that the central government in Mogadishu would officially recognise the region and consider newly elected Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali (Firdhiye) as the President of the interim state government. The Minister also outlined support for the new FMS in various sectors including education and water supplies. Finally, Minister Fiqi reiterate that peace must prevail in the region, suggesting that the FGS was ready to mediate any dialogue between the warring parties in Hargeisa and Laascaanood in northern Somalia.

Also speaking, President Firdhiye outlined that a major FGS delegation led by Interior Minister Fiqi and other senior Ministers will be travelling to Laascaanood in the coming weeks. Another symbolic gesture which showcases to the world and Hargeisa that Somalia is united more than ever before.

What does this mean for Somali unity and Separatist Somaliland?

Somalia’s is one step closer to unity. The recognition of SSC-Khaatumo marks the sixth FMS in Somalia. The completion of unity for the Somali state will enable the beginning of forming a universally accepted constitution which remains the biggest hindrance to the development of the Somali Federal Government and its other State Apparatuses such as the Supreme Court among other important elements. In fact, this is the closest Somalia has ever been to unification since the civil war began in 1988.

The decision to recognise the SSC-Khaatumo region has left a major dent in separatist Hargeisa’s agenda and vision. Somaliland has consistently argued that the people’s of the entire region of the former British colony of British Somaliland was seeking recognition as an independent state from the rest of Somalia. It used the colonial borders as demarcation zones for a new state. However, the issue with such a narrative is that it misled the world on what real perceptions were in the region.

Rather than working on building the region economically and politically, the leadership in Hargeisa has spent the last three decades subjugating the local populations of SSC and Awdal to continuous counterproductive oppressive policies that would eventual haunt Hargeisa. This would ultimately result in the uprising of Sool in December of last year. 10 months later, the FGS officially recognised the region as a separate FMS from Somaliland. In other words, there was never a unified agenda in northern Somalia acknowledged by all parties but rather the subjugation of others by the elites maintaining power in Hargeisa.

What about Somaliland-Somalia talks?

It is difficult to see how Somaliland has any leverage during such talks. The political narrative that it has been building was destroyed by the people of SSC-Khaatumo. Laascaanood burst the bubble that many resided in. Regardless, Somaliland has a stake at the table in Mogadishu:

• Somaliland has an equal share of MPs in the Federal Parliament of Somalia.
• Senior FGS positions are held by MPs hailing from the Somaliland region
• Somaliland region has a seat at the National Consultative Council with other FMS.
• It receives direct aid from Mogadishu allocated from foreign support for Somalia.
• Additionally, it was Mogadishu that eventually would give a greenlight to the DP World signing the port in Berbera among other things.

Simply put it, the discussion of separation is out of the window. The people of SSC have departed and Awdal seems to be brewing some political dissatisfaction with Somaliland State MPs from Borama outlining their discontent with the leadership of Hargeisa in recent weeks. What is best for Somaliland is to start negotiating a better seat at the table for the region. Ensuring that past wrongs are rectified and working on developing a Somali nation that benefits all Somalis without clan politics and corruption which work hand in hand.

Threats Against Somali Ports

With major threats from Abiy Ahmed and his regime in Addis Ababa regarding the forceful seizure of a Red Sea port and mentioning Saylac by name, it is important that all Somalis come together and protect our joint interest. There is more benefit in 2023 for separatists to work with their fellow Somalis not just in Djibouti but also in the rest of the Somali Republic rather than Addis Ababa.

Guul iyo Gobanimo