The SSC-Khaatumo traditional community has clashed over the conference to finalize the formation of the SSC-Khaatumo Regional State, which is expected to officially open in Lascaanood tomorrow.
The community has split into two factions: Some support the SSC administration, while others side with opposition politicians and candidates.
Garaad Jamac Garaad Ali, the general community leader for the SSC areas, said at a press conference in Lascaanood that advice from elsewhere cannot be implemented. He noted that the local people have been under foreign rule for the past 15 years, and that this can no longer be accepted.
“I have been fighting for 15 years against a foreign advice, and I cannot allow my brothers and sisters to do what I opposed. I cannot be a part of this. Warsangeli are our brothers, our neighbors, we care about them, and the circumstances are between us. We do not deserve to say that we are choosing you,” said Garaad Jamac.
Garaad also underlined that no one can force the will of the people of SSC-Khaatumo, calling for a genuine national advice. He expressed fear that SSC would be returned to the previous difficult situation, from which he said it could not recover.
Meanwhile, the president of the SSC-Khatumo administration, Abdiqadir Ahmed Ali Firdhiye, held a private meeting last night with some of the Sool and Sanaag factions, discussing the arrangements for the conference that opens tomorrow. The factions support holding the conference and reviewing any concerns peacefully.
Similarly, the SSC parliamentarians also held a meeting in Lascaanod last night, discussing the political dispute over holding the conference. No official decision has been made yet from their meeting.
However, there are still fears that security problems could delay tomorrow’s conference, with some candidates strongly opposing the conference.
