Puntland has made it clear that it does not recognize the SSC-Khaatumo administration, saying that there is no law that establishes a separate administration for the Dhulbahante community.
A press release from the Puntland Ministry of Interior stated that Puntland welcomed the role played by the Dhulbahante community in the re-liberation of Lascaanod on February 6, 2023, but did not accept that the special area should have an administration independent of Puntland.
“The Puntland government clearly states that there is no law that allows the Dhulbahante community to form a separate administration,” the statement said.
It was also noted that all the clans living in Sool, Cayn and the entire Dhulbahante area have been part of Puntland since its establishment in 1998.
The Ministry of Interior also condemned the alleged interference by the Federal Government of Somalia in Puntland’s security affairs, which it described as leading to instability and opportunities for terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS to exploit.
Meanwhile, the SSC-Khaatumo administration responded strongly to the news from Puntland, stating that the existence of the SSC is not up for debate.
The Vice President of SSC-Khaatumo, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Shiine, said:
“The statement from the Puntland Ministry of Interior is unfortunate. The SSC-Khaatumo administration is a member state of the country’s federal system, and no one is allowed to question its existence.”
Dr. Shiine added that SSC has goodwill and brotherhood towards the people of Puntland, but is determined that the fate of the SSC-Khaatumo people is a “red line” that cannot be broken.
