A group of traditional elders from Sanaag and Haylaan regions issued a strong statement on Wednesday firmly rejecting any attempts to incorporate their territories into the SSC-Khaatumo administration. The statement emerges as political representatives and other elders from these regions are scheduled to attend a major conference in Las Anod next week.
The elders stressed that Sanaag and Haylaan have historically and administratively been integral parts of Puntland since its inception in 1998. They reiterated their continued allegiance and integration into Puntland’s political framework, urging regional authorities to enhance development initiatives and reinforce security measures.
According to their statement, the elders confirmed that no legitimate political gathering among local clans had sanctioned representation at the upcoming SSC-Khaatumo State Completion Conference slated for July 10. They unequivocally denied authorizing delegates to attend on their behalf and insisted no valid political resolution had been taken to align with the SSC-Khaatumo administration.
The elders demanded an official apology from SSC-Khaatumo leaders, accusing them of meddling in internal community affairs and destabilizing regional peace and harmony. They further called upon the international community to recognize that they are not participants in any new administrative or political arrangements and have not delegated authority to representatives attending the conference in Las Anod.
Additionally, the elders urged the Federal Government of Somalia to adhere strictly to its constitutional responsibilities, cautioning against actions that might ignite inter-clan divisions and threaten the delicate peace in the region.
These developments follow the controversial arrival in Las Anod of former Puntland Parliament Speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, who claimed to represent Sanaag and Haylaan. Jibriil accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of militarizing the regions with the deployment of thousands of troops, asserting that his communities are prepared to seek autonomy from both Puntland and Somaliland.
This mounting tension underscores the widening fissure between Puntland, the Federal Government, and the SSC-Khaatumo administration regarding territorial sovereignty and clan representation in eastern Somaliland. The situation remains tense as all sides prepare for the impending Las Anod conference.
