By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia , 10 January 2025 - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to visit Las Anod later this week, according to government sources who spoke to Dawan Media on condition of anonymity.
The visit comes weeks after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, and is seen as part of broader efforts by the federal government to consolidate its influence in northern regions of the country.
Although the presidency has yet to issue an official confirmation, the visit is widely believed to be linked to the inauguration of the newly elected president of the North East State, Abdulkadir Ahmed Aw-Ali. Aw-Ali was elected on 30 August 2025 to lead Somalia’s sixth federal member state.
No official schedule has been released for the visit. However, informed sources told Dawan Media that President Mohamud is expected to deliver a speech before the regional parliament, in what is described as a symbolic message directed at supporters of Somaliland’s secession bid.
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The anticipated trip comes amid heightened political sensitivity in northern Somalia, where territorial claims continue to overlap between the federal government and Somaliland authorities, who maintain that the area is part of Somaliland territory.
Tensions have escalated further since Israel recognized Somaliland on 26 December 2024, prompting strong reactions from Mogadishu and adding new complexity to the regional political landscape.
Las Anod and its surrounding areas witnessed months-long intense fighting two years ago between Somaliland forces and fighters aligned with the North East State, culminating in the expulsion of Somaliland troops from the area in August 2023. Since then, Las Anod has served as the administrative center of the North East State, which has declared allegiance to Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.
