Sunday April 6, 2025
Las Anod (HOL) – Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre is expected to visit Las Anod, the administrative capital of the SSC-Khatumo administration, in the coming days in what is being seen as a significant step toward strengthening ties between the interim regional administration and the Federal Government of Somalia.
Speaking Sunday during a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defense, Prime Minister Barre emphasized that the upcoming trip is intended to solidify cooperation between his office and SSC-Khatumo leadership.
“I will visit Las Anod, but at a specific time,” Barre said. “The visit is part of joint efforts between the Prime Minister’s Office and the SSC-Khatumo leadership.”
Barre clarified that the trip is not intended to alienate any Somali region or administration, but rather to foster national unity and bring Somali communities closer together.
General Abdi Hassan Mohamed Hijaar, the Minister of Religious Affairs, Justice, and Endowments in SSC-Khatumo, confirmed to local media that the region is ready to receive the prime minister.
“We have prepared for the arrival of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia who is expected to arrive in Las Anod,” Hijaar said.
The visit comes amid ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the region. Both Puntland and Somaliland assert authority over SSC-Khatumo territory. However, SSC-Khatumo leaders have declared their administration a federal member state and insist on working directly with Mogadishu.
