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Khatumo State

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SSC- Khaatumo Administration (Somali: SSC-Khaatumo), officially known as the SSC-Khaatumo Administration (Somali: Maamulka SSC-Khaatumo), is an autonomous administration[2] in Northern Somalia, with its capital in Las Anod.[3] It includes parts of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions (combined under the acronym "SSC") It is bordered by Puntland to the east, the Somali Region of Ethiopia to the south, Somaliland to the west and the Gulf of Aden to the north.

Khaatumo Administration of Somalia
  • Maamulka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya (Somali)
  • إدارة خاتومو في الصومال  (Arabic)
  • iidarat khatumu fi alsuwmal
Flag of SSC Khaatumo Administration
Flag
Coat of arms
Coat of arms
Area claimed by SSC- Khaatumo[1]
Area claimed by SSC- Khaatumo[1]
Capital
and largest city
Las Anod
9°8′N 48°00′E / 9.133°N 48.000°E / 9.133; 48.000
GovernmentAutonomous presidential democracy
• President
Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw Ali
• Vice President
Mahamed Abdi Ismail
• Speaker of the Parliament
Jama Yasin Warsame
LegislatureLegislative Assembly Council
Autonomy 
within Somalia
(ssc was established 2009) later change to Khaatumo in 2012
• Dissolution
2017
2023
CurrencySomali shilling (SOS)
Time zoneUTC+3 (EAT)
Calling code+252 (Somalia)
ISO 3166 codeSO
Internet TLD.so
Today part ofSomalia

Following the capture of several army positions near Las Anod in August 2023, Khatumo forces effectively expelled Somaliland troops from Dhulbahante territory, securing most of their claimed area and establishing a new front line between the villages of Oog and Guumays in western Sool.[4][5]

SSC-Khaatumo was acknowledged as an interim administration by the Federal Government of Somalia on 19 October 2023,[6] following its re-establishment on 6 February 2023, as SSC-Khaatumo after a period of mass civil unrest in Las Anod.[3]

History

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Establishment

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A Khatumo State proclamation ceremony in Dubai (2013)

The SSC movement was established in the first half of 2009. A meeting was held by the Dhulbahante clan to establish a regional government directly under the Federal Republic of Somalia, including residents of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn. In early 2012, the Khaatumo State was established in Taleh, a significant town in the Sool region. This followed a series of events, including the collapse of the SSC movement.[7]

Khatumo is derived from an Arabic term meaning a "positive conclusion." The administration's stated aim was to bring development and stability to the region through the establishment of a locally based government.

The conference in Taleh involved key personalities from the region and the diaspora, with support from local leaders and intellectuals.[7]

After extensive consultations, over 2,300 Dhulbahante clan members gathered in Taleh for a ten-day conference, which concluded with the decision to establish the autonomous Khaatumo State of Somalia.[7]

Split of Khaatumo and dissolution of Ali Khalif group

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Within a year of its founding, Khaatumo began to dissolve due to a lack of palpable results[8] and by 2015 the proto state practically ceased to function,[9] with the idea of an autonomous Khaatumo state having lost ground among the Dhulbahante, the clan that inhabits the area, a year after its establishment.[10]

In August 2016, Khatumo State commenced peace talks with Somaliland.[11][12] The talks, however, caused a major disagreement between the president and vice-president of the administration, Ali Khalif Galaydh and Abdulle Agalule respectively, which eventually produced two separate administrations that both claimed to be the legitimate government.[13] The group led by Ali Khalif reached an agreement with Somaliland, at the town of Aynabo in October 2017, which stipulated that under the condition of changing the constitution of Somaliland, the organization would become integrated within the Somaliland government.[14]

The agreement made by Ali Khalif Galaydh and Silanyo in October 2017 couldn't be implemented because it was rejected by the Isaaq clan and also by Muse Bihi, who won Somaliland's presidency in the November 2017 elections. This marked the end of the Khaatumo State until its reestablishment in 2023 during the 2023 Las Anod conflict.

2023 conflict and establishment of SSC-Khaatumo

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Main article: Las Anod conflict (2023–present)

On 6 February 2023, the Dhulbahante clan elders declared their intent to form a state government named "SSC-Khatumo" within Somalia.[15] On 19 March, the traditional leaders met with a delegation of MPs from Federal Government of Somalia.[16][17]

After mass protests continuing from December into January 2023, the retreat of the Somaliland troops paved the way for the return of the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali – a community leader exiled from Las Anod since 2007.[18] Rumor spread of a grand meeting of all Dhulbahante clan elders, followed by speculation that the elders would vote to exile Somaliland security forces from the city.[19] On 6 February 2023, the Dhulbahante clan elders declared their intent to form a state government named "SSC-Khatumo" within the Federal Government of Somalia.[15] Fighting broke out earlier on the same day in Las Anod between Somaliland troops and Dhulbahante militias in the Sayadka Hill suburb (reportedly home to two committee members), with shots heard in the streets surrounding Hamd Hotel where Somaliland dignitaries were staying.[20]

On 8 February, the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali, accused the Somaliland government of genocide, called for peace and declared Las Anod's intent to be governed from Mogadishu under the Federal Government of Somalia.[21] Within the same week of February, fighting and civilian bombardments had killed at least 82 people in total and displaced 90% of the residents. The region had produced 185,000 internally displaced people and 60,000 refugees in February.[22] On 2 March, the mayor of Las Anod reported that Somaliland forces were bombing public buildings from the surrounding countryside including government institutions and hospitals. The UN also reported a casualty count of over 200 deaths.[23]

On 7 June, the UN Security Council released a statement reaffirming its "full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia." They also stated, "The members of the Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of 'Somaliland' security forces and urged all parties to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions, incitement to violence, and inflammatory rhetoric. This is in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for peace."[24] The following day, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing their view that the UNSC "appears to be misinformed about the facts on the ground", stating that they took care to rigorously avoid civilian casualties, only firing to protect their defensive positions against the militia forces.[25]

On 25 August, the SSC administration overran two strongholds of the Somaliland National Army in Maraaga and Goja’adde, claiming to have captured numerous towns, weapons, vehicles.[26] On the same day, the Somaliland Ministry of Defense released a statement saying, "The National Army is in the midst of reorganization and serious preparation to confront the enemy."[26]

Following the capture of the Goojacade army base, in Fall 2023 the frontline shifted to western Sool, emerging between the villages of Oog and Guumays. According to the Crisis Group, this division roughly corresponded to boundaries between Isaaq and Dhulbahante clans.[27]

As of August 2024, the front line lies about 100km away from the city of Las Anod, where a military stalemate presently holds, and the carrying of weapons is strictly prohibited within the city.[28][29]

Recognition

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Interior Minister Fiqi (left) with Firdhiye (right)

In accordance with a joint press release, Abdulqadir Firdhiye, the President of the newly formed SSC-Khatumo interim administration, was invited, along with a delegation, to Mogadishu. During a 10-day period, extensive discussions were held on the political, security, and humanitarian situation in the disputed region.[30]

Ultimately, on 19 October 2023, the Federal Government agreed to endorse the statement by traditional elders during their conference in Las Anod on 6 February 2023, which stated that SSC-Khatumo was not under the authorities of Puntland or Somaliland, but under the Federal Government.[6]

Additionally, the Federal Government called on Somaliland authorities and SSC-Khatumo to halt hostilities and release prisoners, expressing readiness to facilitate associated activities.[30]

Government

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Khaatumo's government structure comprises a legislative body and an executive body, with ongoing initiatives to establish a judicial body.

The Legislative Assembly Council of the SSC-Khaatumo administration commenced its term on 7 July 2023, with the swearing-in of 45 members. These members were selected by regional Garaads and Sultans on 6 July 2023.[31]

The SSC-Khatumo Legislative Assembly Council assembly convened on 1 August 2023, in Las Anod to select its leadership. Jama Yasin Warsame secured the position of Speaker, garnering 25 votes out of the available 45, while Jama Adan Osman was elected as the Vice Speaker.[32]

Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali (Firdhiye) became the President of the SSC-Khatumo Administration on 5 August 2023, receiving 30 out of 45 total votes. Mohamed Abdi Ismail (Shiine) was elected as the Deputy President.[33][34]

President Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali announced the appointment of cabinet secretaries on 12 September, each nominated secretary underwent a vote of confidence from the SSC-Khaatumo 45-member committee to ensure their alignment with the administration's objectives.[35]

The Legislative Assembly Council unanimously approved the nine cabinet secretaries appointed by the President on 26 September, officially concluding the formation and assembly of both the executive and legislative bodies of the government.[36]

Military

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From Left - Chief of Staff, Khatumo Army

Khatumo maintains its own security forces. Exclusively financed by the state administration, they are tasked with assuring local security and defending the region's borders.[37] According to Khatumo President Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, the forces are well trained and armed.[38]

Khatumo troops have been deployed in defense positions in Guumays area against Somaliland troops in Oog and other border towns within Khatumo-Somaliland border.[39][40][41][42][43]

On 11 February 2024, President Firdhiye appointed General Saleban Barre Hasan to be the head of Khatumo military forces,[44] with Mohamed Saleban Cabbi serving as the official spokesman.[45]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ethiopia, breakaway Somaliland sign port deal; Somalia's cabinet calls emergency meet". The Hindu. 2 January 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  2. ^ Jama (19 October 2023). "Somali government makes a strategic move by recognizing SSC-Khaatumo". The Somali Digest | Somali News in English. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b Barnett, James (7 August 2023). "Inside the Newest Conflict in Somalia's Long Civil War". New Lines Magazine. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  4. ^ "October Alerts and September Trends 2023". www.crisisgroup.org. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  5. ^ "On the Horizon: October 2023-March 2024 | Crisis Group". www.crisisgroup.org. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Dowladda Federaalka oo aqoonsatay maamulka SSC-Khaatumo". Voice of America (in Somali). 19 October 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Höhne, Markus Virgil (2015). Between Somaliland and Puntland: Marginalization, Militarization and Conflicting Political Vision. Rift Valley Institute. ISBN 978-1-907431-13-5.
  8. ^ Höhne, Markus Virgil (2015). Between Somaliland and Puntland : marginalization, militarization and conflicting political vision. London: Rift Valley Institute. p. 118. ISBN 978-1-907431-13-5. OCLC 976483444.
  9. ^ Musa, Ahmed. "Lasanod: City at the margins" (PDF). Rift Valley Institute: 7. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  10. ^ Höhne, Markus Virgil (2015). Between Somaliland and Puntland : marginalization, militarization and conflicting political vision. London: Rift Valley Institute. p. 115. ISBN 978-1-907431-13-5. OCLC 976483444.
  11. ^ "Wadahadallo u socda Somaliland iyo Khaatumo". BBC Somali. 16 August 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  12. ^ "Somalia: Khatumo begins peace talks with Somaliland". Garowe Online. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  13. ^ "Khilaaf ballaaran oo soo kala dhexgalay madaxda Khaatumo". BBC Somali. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  14. ^ Mahmood, Omar S. (1 November 2019). "Overlapping Claims by Somaliland and Puntland: The Case of Sool and Sanaag". Africa Portal. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  15. ^ a b Haji, Mohammed (20 February 2023). "What's driving conflict in the disputed Somali city of Las Anod?". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  16. ^ "The Daily Somalia: "A delegation of Mps & Senators from #Mogadishu, led by the Deputy Speaker of the Upper House Abdullahi Ali Hirsi Timacade arrived in #LasAnod. They held meetings with the traditional leaders of @SSCKhaatumo."". Twitter. 19 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  17. ^ "Abbas A Hashi: "15 years after federal delegation and the MPs representing the SSC regions arrived today in the #lasanod to survey the damage. This arrival was brought about by the locals' resistance to the SL, not by a delegation or through diplomacy. The solution for the haughty is a gun."". Twitter. 19 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  18. ^ "Clan chief returns to Las Anod for first time since 2007". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  19. ^ "Grand entry of exiled traditional elders in Las Anod major concerns for Somaliland". Garowe Online. 30 June 2020. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  20. ^ "Somalia: Fresh fighting breaks out in Las Anod city". Garowe Online. 6 February 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  21. ^ Ali, Garad Jama (19 March 2023). "BBC World News - Garad Jama Ali declares Dulbahante intent to merge Sool with federal Somali govt" (video). YouTube. BBC World News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  22. ^ Ahmed, Kaamil (22 February 2023). "Tens of thousands of refugees flee from Somaliland clashes". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  23. ^ "More than 200 killed, nearly 700 wounded in Somaliland clashes". TRT World. 2 March 2023. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  24. ^ "Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Somalia". 7 June 2023.
  25. ^ "Hargeisa, Somaliland, June 8th, 2023 - Press Release on UN Security Council's June 7th Statement". 8 June 2023.
  26. ^ a b "Waa imisa tirada maxaabiista iyo gaadiidka ay SSC sheegteen inay Somaliland uga qabsadeen Goojacadde?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 26 August 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  27. ^ "October Alerts and September Trends 2023". International Crisis Group. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  28. ^ Taylor, Liam (29 August 2024). "Inside Somaliland, the state eager to become the world's next country". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  29. ^ "Khaatumo Administration Bans Carrying Weapons in Las Anod". Goobjoog News. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  30. ^ a b Shino, Abdirisaq (19 October 2023). "Somali Federal Government Recognizes New SSC-Khatumo Administration". Horseed Media. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  31. ^ "Las Anod governing committee sworn into office with paramount task – Liberation". The Somali Digest | Somali News in English. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  32. ^ "Las Anod: Jama Yasin elected chairman of SSC-Khatumo Central Committee". The Somali Digest | Somali News in English. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  33. ^ "SSC-Khatumo elects leadership and charts course for federal statehood". The Somali Digest | Somali News in English. 7 August 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  34. ^ Daa'uud, Ilyaas (5 August 2023). "SSC Khaatumo oo Hogaamiye Cusub dooratay - Radio Risaala: Somali News Online". Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  35. ^ "SSC-Khaatumo Leader announced cabinet appointments". The Somali Digest | Somali News in English. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  36. ^ "Las Anod: Nine SSC-Khaatumo cabinet secretaries sworn in". The Somali Digest | Somali News in English. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  37. ^ "SSC-Khaatumo Captures Somaliland Soldiers in Buq-dharkayn Clashes, Including High-Ranking Officials". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  38. ^ "What is Khatumo State?". Somalia Report. 26 April 2012. Archived from the original on 12 March 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
  39. ^ "Somaliland deploys more forces to Oog, announces military action against SSC-Khaatumo". hornobserver.com. 6 September 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  40. ^ "Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo Forces in Standoff Near Buq-Dharkayn". Halqabsi News. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Somalia: SSC-Khatumo warns Somaliland over future 'invasions'". Garowe Online. 30 June 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  42. ^ Dalmar (16 October 2023). "SSC-Khaatumo raises alarm about Somaliland mobilisation". Somali News in English | The Somali Digest. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  43. ^ "Maxay tahay xiisadda laga dareemayo qaar ka mid ah deegaanada xadka u ah Somaliland iyo SSC?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 16 April 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  44. ^ Office, News (11 February 2024). "Hoggaamiye Firdhiye oo Talis iyo Hoggaanno cusub u magacaabay Ciidamada SSC". Puntland Post. Retrieved 30 May 2024. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  45. ^ Ali, Caydiid (11 February 2024). "Hogaamiyeyaha SSC Khaatumo oo Magacaabay taliyeyaal ciidan (Magacyada)". Allbanaadir.com. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
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8°15′17″N 46°19′42″E / 8.25472°N 46.32833°E / 8.25472; 46.32833 (Buuhoodle)

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