SSC Takes Control, Seeking Justice and Stability

By Ahmed Warsama

The region of Sool, located in the north of Somalia and known as Somaliland, has witnessed a significant shift in power with the emergence of the SSC-Khaatumo administration. This new local administration has successfully pushed out the long-standing Somaliland administration, which had maintained control since 2007 after displacing the Puntland administration. The change in leadership comes after years of dissatisfaction and frustration with the Somaliland government’s handling of the region.

One of the primary issues that fuelled discontent among the local population was the alarming number of unsolved murders in the capital city of Sool, LasAnod. Over 200 cases remained unresolved, creating a sense of insecurity and fear within the community. Locals accused the Somaliland administration of carrying out extrajudicial killings, targeting influential individuals in the region.

The tipping point came with the tragic assassination of Abdifatah Hadraawi, a prominent politician, on December 26, 2022, in LasAnod. The assassination sparked widespread protests against the Somaliland administration, demanding justice and accountability. In response, Somaliland President Muse Abdi Biihi and his interior minister ordered the protests to be forcefully ended, deploying the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), a highly trained unit supported by the British Government. However, the RRU’s heavy-handed approach resulted in the loss of lives, including innocent women and children.

The brutal crackdown on the protests only intensified the people’s resolve, leading to an armed uprising against the Somaliland forces. Subsequently, the people of Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn regions united under the banner of SSC-Khaatumo and pledged to fight for control of their own region. The Somaliland administration responded with indiscriminate shelling of LasAnod, resulting in the displacement of over 200,000 people. The local population, determined to defend their city, fortified their defences and endured months of relentless attacks.

During this period, the Somaliland military inflicted significant damage on LasAnod, targeting vital infrastructure such as hospitals, mosques, and schools. The indiscriminate shelling claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians. However, the locals used this time to organise and train their own army, preparing for a decisive counteroffensive.

On August 25th, the SSC-Khaatumo forces launched a successful assault, capturing over 300 Somaliland soldiers and driving the Somaliland forces out of the region, pushing them back as far as Oog. The Somaliland military suffered heavy casualties, losing crucial anti-air defence equipment and numerous technical vehicles.

Since then, the region under the SSC-Khaatumo administration has remained stable and fortified. Backed by the federal Somali Government, SSC-Khaatumo has solidified its position as a functional federal state within the Federal Government of Somalia. The administration aims to bring justice, stability, and prosperity to the people of Sool and the surrounding regions, who have long yearned for effective governance and representation.

As the region rebuilds and heals from the scars of conflict, the SSC-Khaatumo administration faces the significant task of restoring essential services, infrastructure, and implementing the rule of law. The path ahead may be challenging, but the resolve of the local population and the support of the federal Somali Government provide hope for a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Sool and the entire region.

About the author

Ahmed Warsama is an IT consultant based in London with over 15 years of experience and a deep understanding of Somali politics. With strong ties to Somalia and a keen interest in East African geopolitics, Ahmed brings a unique perspective to his analysis of the region’s political landscape.
Born in Somalia and raised in London, Ahmed’s personal connection to the country fuels his passion for exploring and understanding the complexities of Somali politics. Informed by his cultural background, as well as his extensive research and engagement with local communities, Ahmed offers valuable insights into the political dynamics shaping Somalia’s future.

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