Laascaanood (Dawan Africa) - The Federal Government of Somalia officially recognized the establishment of a new Federal Member State named North-East Somalia on Wednesday night, following the conclusion of an eight-day state formation and constitutional conference held in Laascaanood.
The national forum brought together 432 delegates, with 417 voting in favor of the new constitution. Delegates represented communities from Sool, Sanaag, and Buhoodle, and engaged in in-depth discussions on core issues including the structure of state institutions, the official name, flag, emblem, size of the parliament, and administrative term.
According to copies of the ratified constitution presented during the final session, the official name of the new entity is the Federal Member State of North-East Somalia, with Laascaanood as its capital. The document also confirms the adoption of a flag and emblem, the creation of an 83-member parliament, and a five-year term for the administration. The new state will serve the population of Sool, Sanaag, and Buhoodle.
This region has long experienced competing political and administrative claims, particularly between Somaliland and Puntland authorities.
Federal Minister of Interior Ali Yusuf Ali (Xoosh), who presided over the closing session, commended the peaceful and structured outcome of the forum, emphasizing its compliance with the Federal Constitution.
“This is a historic step forward for unity, peace, and federal legitimacy in northern Somalia,” said Minister Xoosh.
With this development, Somalia now comprises six Federal Member States: Puntland, Galmudug, HirShabelle, South West, Jubbaland, and now North-East Somalia.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the next steps will involve the establishment of the state parliament and the organization of presidential and vice-presidential elections.
The Federal Government has pledged full support for the institutional development of North-East Somalia, strengthening of electoral frameworks, and inclusive governance grounded in public participation and national cohesion.
