Nearly a year and a half after the Federal Government of Somalia officially recognized the SSC-Khaatumo administration as independent from Puntland and Somaliland, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has announced that he will visit the city of Lasanod — a move that has triggered widespread reactions, political discussion, and questions about the meaning and impact of the visit on Somali politics.
On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Hamza confirmed that he would travel to Lasanod, stating that the purpose of his visit is to strengthen the relationship between SSC-Khaatumo and the Federal Government of Somalia.
“I want to make it clear that we are ready to meet the honorable people of SSC-Khaatumo. We are ready to live with them,” Prime Minister Hamza said.
If the visit goes ahead, it would make Hamza the highest-ranking Somali government official to visit Lasanod since President Mohamed Siad Barre’s visit in the 1980s. Lasanod is also the city where Somalia’s second president, Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, was assassinated on October 15, 1969.
Beyond its historical background, Lasanod is currently experiencing increased political tension, as control of the city is contested between the SSC-Khaatumo interim administration — recognized by the Somali federal government — and Puntland and Somaliland.
Lasanod is the capital of SSC-Khaatumo, an interim administration comprising the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn. It received federal recognition in October 2023, after local traditional elders declared independence from Puntland and Somaliland, stating their allegiance to the Federal Government of Somalia.
SSC-Khaatumo has already stated its readiness to welcome the Prime Minister, and officials have confirmed that residents of SSC are excited about the visit.
“I announce that the people of SSC-Khaatumo are very happy and are preparing for the arrival of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre,” said the region’s Minister of Justice and Constitution, Cabdi Xasan Maxamed Xijaar.
On the other hand, Somaliland views the visit as a provocation and a violation of its claimed sovereignty.
“The Prime Minister’s remarks about visiting Lasanod are offensive, provocative, and an attempt to incite conflict,” said Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed-Yasin Ali. He added that Somaliland would defend its nationhood at all costs.
Although the exact date of the visit has not been officially announced, SSC-Khaatumo has stated that it is preparing to become a full federal member state once it completes a two-year interim period, fulfilling the requirements set by the Federal Government.
SSC-Khaatumo is also one of the regions where the Somali government plans to hold one-person, one-vote elections — a reform it has continuously promoted.
Many believe that if the visit goes ahead, it could have a major impact on Somali politics and may lead to significant political changes across the country.