The leader of SSC-Khaatumo, Abduqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali ‘Firdhiye’, has publicly dismissed allegations of his group’s involvement in the forthcoming Puntland elections. He articulated this denial during his current stay in Mogadishu following an invitation from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). It carries a twofold implication. Firstly, it is a manifest declaration to the FGS, highlighting SSC-Khaatumo’s serious aspiration for Federal Member State (FMS) status. Secondly, it distances SSC-Khaatumo from the electoral politics currently unravelling in Puntland.
Mogadishu, SOMALIA.
Firdhiye recounted the historic affiliation between SSC-Khaatumo and Puntland, emphasizing their joint foundational role. He, however, expressed discontent over a 17-year estrangement that saw Somaliland rule Sool amid Puntland’s failure to retain control over the region.
“We were among the architects of Puntland, yet for 17 years, our region remained under external dominance. Somaliland advanced near Garowe, and despite our contributions to the Puntland administration, it failed to recover our region,” said Firdhiye.
Further, Firdhiye voiced concerns regarding the feasibility of holding elections in his region, given the absence of a registered electorate and financial constraints. He said neither method was feasible in his region: the one-person, one-vote system and the traditional method of clan elders selecting Members of Parliament (MPs).
SSC MPs in Puntland parliament
This narrative comes at a juncture where Puntland, financially autonomous and capable of safeguarding its borders, is gearing up for elections. Despite Firdhiye’s statement, MPs from SSC remain part of the Puntland parliament, with no indication of a departure as new MPs will run for the election in the upcoming months. The continuance of SSC MPs in the Puntland parliament hinges on the existing Puntland constitution, which necessitates amendments for their removal, illustrating the legal complexities entailed in this political scenario.
The forthcoming actions appear to largely depend on the insight and decisions of the Garaads (traditional elders) of SSC, who are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping SSC-Khaatumo’s future.
