Somali president makes historic visit to Las Anod, asserts federal authority
Mogadishu – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a historic visit to Las Anod, the administrative capital of the Sool region, which is claimed by the breakaway region of Somaliland, marking the first visit by a sitting Somali president to the city in over 40 years.
The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa following Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland, a move that drew strong opposition from Mogadishu and raised concerns over the region’s stability, sovereignty, and the delicate balance of federal relations within Somalia.
During his visit, Mohamud attended the inauguration of the president of the newly created Northeast State, which became Somalia’s sixth federal state in August, encompassing the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn — all areas that Somaliland considers part of its territory.
The president’s presence in Las Anod is seen as a symbolic effort to strengthen the unity of the Somali federation and reinforce the federal government’s commitment to territorial integrity, governance, and national cohesion.
Las Anod had been under the control of Somaliland since 2007 but was forced to withdraw in 2023 after violent clashes with Somali forces and pro-Mogadishu militias left numerous casualties, highlighting the fragile security situation and complex territorial disputes in northern Somalia.
Mohamud’s visit underscores the federal government’s determination to assert authority over semi-autonomous regions while maintaining dialogue and cooperation with local administrations and communities in the northeast of the country.
The Northeast State aims to consolidate federal governance and improve administrative services, security, and economic development across its territories.
By participating in the state’s presidential inauguration, Mohamud reinforced Somalia’s federal structure and demonstrated support for democratic processes, local leadership, and the expansion of government institutions into regions affected by conflict and contested claims.
Mohamud’s visit also carries significant diplomatic implications as it comes shortly after international developments, including Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which has been opposed by the Somali government.
The federal government seeks to maintain regional stability, manage international relations, and prevent the escalation of disputes with Somaliland, while ensuring that local communities benefit from federal support, investment, and infrastructure development.
This historic visit reflects the federal government’s broader strategy to assert national authority, promote unity among Somalia’s semi-autonomous states, and strengthen governance structures in contested areas.
It also aims to send a message to domestic and international stakeholders that Somalia remains committed to its territorial integrity, political cohesion, and the peaceful resolution of regional disputes through dialogue, legal frameworks, and inclusive governance.
