Las Anod, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday officially announced the recognition of the Northeast as a federal regional state of Somalia, granting it the same rights and status as other member states within the country.
The announcement was made during an inauguration ceremony held in Las Anod for the newly appointed leadership of the Northeast regional administration. The event was attended by senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, as well as various delegations representing different sectors.
The Northeastern Administration is among the territories claimed by the breakaway Somaliland administration and Puntland State of Somalia.
Tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland have intensified in recent months, particularly following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December.
Somali federal authorities say the development has strengthened their support for the Northeastern Administration, which they view as essential to preserving the country’s unity.
During the ceremony, several speakers addressed key national issues, including Somalia’s unity, foreign relations, and the situation of prisoners held in Las Anod and Hargeisa following past conflicts.
In his keynote address, President Hassan Sheikh emphasized national unity and described Las Anod as a symbol of Somali cohesion. “Las Anod is the capital of the unity of the country. From today, the Northeast will receive everything like other regions,” the president said.
The president’s declaration marks a significant political development, formally integrating the Northeast into Somalia’s federal system.
President Hassan Sheikh also used the occasion to call for peace and dialogue between Somaliland authorities and leaders in the Northeast. He urged both sides to release prisoners captured during the 2023 fighting, stressing the importance of reconciliation.
“Brothers of Somaliland, we renounce everything except unity and agree to dialogue,” the president said. “There is no excuse for Somali boys to remain imprisoned, and we are working to release boys imprisoned for political perversion.”
The inauguration and recognition are expected to have far-reaching implications for Somalia’s political landscape, particularly in efforts to promote stability, reconciliation, and federal cooperation.
