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SSC-Khaatumo (Somali: SSC-Khaatumo), officially the SSC-Khaatumo Administration (Somali: Maamulka SSC-Khaatumo), is an autonomous administration[3] in northern Somalia, with its capital in Las Anod.[4] The administration comprises parts of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions—collectively referred to by the acronym "SSC". It shares borders with Puntland to the east, the Somali Region of Ethiopia to the south, Somaliland to the west, and the Gulf of Aden to the north.
9°8′N 48°00′E
SSC Khaatumo Administration of Somalia | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
| |
 Area claimed by SSC-Khaatumo[2] | |
| Capital and largest city | Las Anod 9°8′N 48°00′E |
| Government | Autonomous presidential democracy |
• President | Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw Ali |
• Vice President | Mohamed Abdi Ismail |
• Speaker of the Parliament | Jama Yassin Warsame |
| Legislature | Legislative Assembly Council |
| Currency | Somali shilling (SOS) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
| Calling code | +252 (Somalia) |
| ISO 3166 code | SO |
| Internet TLD | .so |
| Today part of | Somalia |
The administration re-emerged amid the 2023 Las Anod conflict, following the withdrawal of Somaliland forces from Dhulbahante-populated areas.[5]
In April 2025, the Federal Government of Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a Federal Member State, with finalization on the completion of the constitution and a general conference.[6]
History
Establishment
The SSC movement was launched in 2009 by the Dhulbahante clan with the aim of forming a regional administration under the Federal Government of Somalia for the residents of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn.[7]
Following the collapse of this initial effort, the Khaatumo State was formally established in early 2012 during a ten-day conference in Taleh, attended by over 2,300 clan representatives from the region and diaspora.[7]
The name Khaatumo, derived from an Arabic term meaning "positive conclusion," reflected the administration's goal to promote stability and development through localized governance.[7]
2016 Negotiations and Leadership Split
In 2016, a faction of Khaatumo under President Ali Khalif Galaydh entered peace talks with Somaliland.[8] These talks caused internal divisions within Khaatumo's leadership, with Vice President Abdulle Agalule opposing the negotiations.[9]
Ali Khalif’s faction signed a preliminary agreement with Somaliland in October 2017 in Aynabo, which proposed potential integration subject to constitutional reforms.[10] However the proposal was ultimately rejected by Dhulbahante elders and Khaatumo's formal structures faded in the following years[11]. The movement would later reemerge during the 2023 Las Anod conflict.
2023 conflict and establishment of SSC-Khaatumo
On 6 February 2023, traditional elders of the Dhulbahante clan declared the formation of a regional administration named SSC-Khaatumo, aligning themselves with the Federal Government of Somalia.[12] The announcement followed weeks of protests in the city of Las Anod, amid rising tensions between local residents and the self-declared Somaliland government.[13]
The return of the Dhulbahante's supreme traditional leader, Garad Jama Garad Ali, after more than a decade in exile, marked a key moment. On the same day as the declaration, fighting broke out between Dhulbahante militias and Somaliland troops, initiating the Las Anod conflict.[14] [15]
In the ensuing weeks, the conflict led to significant civilian displacement and casualties. Reports indicated that over 200 people were killed, and tens of thousands were forced to flee.[16]
On 7 June 2023, the United Nations Security Council issued a statement affirming Somalia’s sovereignty and calling for the withdrawal of Somaliland forces.[17] Somaliland authorities responded by asserting that their military actions were defensive and aimed at protecting strategic positions.[18]
On 25 August 2023, SSC-Khaatumo forces captured major Somaliland National Army positions at Maraaga and Goojacadde, claiming control over surrounding towns and equipment.[19]
By late 2023, a new front line had emerged near the villages of Oog and Guumays, corresponding roughly to clan boundaries between the Isaaq and Dhulbahante.[20]
As of August 2024, the front line remains approximately 100 km from Las Anod.[21]
Recognition
In October 2023, the Federal Government of Somalia expressed support for SSC-Khaatumo’s claim of self-administration, endorsing the February 6 declaration by traditional elders in Las Anod which stated that the region did not fall under Puntland or Somaliland authority.[22] A delegation led by SSC-Khaatumo leadership visited Mogadishu for discussions on political, security, and humanitarian matters.[23]
In April 2025, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre led a high-level federal delegation to Las Anod[24], inaugurated development projects[25], and formally announced that the Federal Government recognizes SSC-Khaatumo as a Federal Member State, placing it alongside the country’s member states, and announced its inclusion in the national development plan.[26][27]
Government
SSC-Khaatumo’s government operates under a transitional structure, comprising a legislative assembly, an executive cabinet, and ongoing efforts to establish a functioning judiciary.[28]
The SSC-Khaatumo Legislative Assembly Council was inaugurated on 7 July 2023, with 45 members selected by regional Garaads and Sultans.[29]
On 1 August 2023, the Council convened in Las Anod to elect its leadership, appointing Jama Yassin Warsame as Speaker and Jama Adan Osman as Vice Speaker.[30]
On 5 August 2023, Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw Ali was elected President of SSC-Khaatumo, with Mohamed Abdi Ismail serving as Deputy President.[31][32]
On 12 September 2023, President Firdhiye appointed cabinet secretaries, who were confirmed by the 45-member council later that month.[33]
As of early 2025, efforts to establish a judiciary remain ongoing. A previous attempt to delegate constitutional duties to judicial institutions was suspended due to the absence of a Supreme Court, prompting Parliament to oversee the process directly.[34]
Military
SSC-Khaatumo maintains its own security forces. These forces are tasked with ensuring local security and defending the region's borders.[35]
Khaatumo troops have been deployed in defense positions along the Guumays area, facing off against Somaliland troops and SSB militia in Oog and other border towns.[36]
On 11 February 2024, Khaatumo President Firdhiye appointed General Saleban Barre Hasan as the head of Khaatumo military forces.[37] Alongside him, Mohamed Saleban Cabbi serves as the official spokesman for the military.[38]
The Khaatumo military has been involved in several confrontations with Somaliland forces, including clashes near Buq-Dharkayn and territorial disputes over the Sool region.[39] The conflict between Khaatumo and Somaliland escalated after Khaatumo declared independence from Somaliland and aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia in the pursuit of reunification.[40]