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SSC-Khaatumo lawmakers push for elections in Las Anod amid rift with Puntland
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    Monday May 12, 2025

    Mogadishu (HOL) – Federal Parliament members from the SSC-Khaatumo regions have called for the upcoming elections for their parliamentary seats to be held in Las Anod, the administrative capital of SSC-Khaatumo. The demand comes amid growing political tensions between Puntland authorities and federal lawmakers hailing from the region.

    The legislators view elections in Las Anod as their best opportunity to retain their seats, as Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is reportedly planning to replace most of the current federal MPs representing Puntland in both houses of parliament.

    President Deni has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Puntland-appointed federal lawmakers, accusing them of failing to adequately advocate for Puntland’s interests at the national level. His administration is now facing accusations of orchestrating the selection of loyalists while sidelining veteran politicians who have served in parliament for years.

    Political insiders suggest that Deni’s concerns are amplified by his own ambitions to run for the Somali presidency again. The prospect of MPs from SSC-Khaatumo being elected outside Puntland’s control is viewed as a political setback, and a contributing factor in Puntland’s reluctance to accept the recent recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state.

    Last week, the National Consultative Council (NCC) officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo, encompassing the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Buuhoodle. The move grants SSC-Khaatumo administrative independence from Puntland—a development strongly opposed by President Deni’s administration.

    The political standoff comes as Somalia moves toward key discussions on electoral reforms and power-sharing mechanisms in the lead-up to national elections.

     





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