Somali Prime Minister visits SSC Khatumo capital in historic show of federal support

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Las Anod on Saturday, marking a historic visit to the capital of the interim SSC-Khatumo administration. It is the first time a sitting prime minister has visited the region.

Barre, accompanied by cabinet ministers, lawmakers, and senior federal officials, was welcomed by SSC-Khatumo leader Abdulkadir Firdhiye, regional officials, and large crowds of local residents.

The two-day trip is seen as a significant step toward strengthening ties between the Federal Government of Somalia and the SSC-Khatumo administration, which was formed after ousting Somaliland forces from the area in 2023.

During his visit, Barre is expected to meet traditional elders, community leaders, and local authorities to discuss peace, governance, and development in the region. He is also scheduled to launch public service projects and inaugurate completed infrastructure developments.

Local media have reported that Barre may also initiate a long-delayed prisoner exchange between SSC-Khatumo and Somaliland. Both sides hold detainees, but negotiations have stalled due to sporadic clashes along contested frontlines.

Despite its military defeat in Las Anod, Somaliland continues to claim the city as part of its territory. Ahead of the visit, it issued warnings to Barre, describing his trip as a violation of its self-declared sovereignty.

Barre’s visit is widely seen as a symbolic step toward reasserting federal authority over regions once controlled by the breakaway Somaliland administration, and a potential milestone in Somalia’s path toward reunification.