Laascaanood, Somalia – April 15, 2025 In a landmark visit from April 12 to 15, 2025, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre led a high-level federal delegation to the capital of SSC-Khatumo, Laascaanood. The visit marks a historic milestone in Somalia’s efforts to reinforce unity, peace, and federal collaboration with the SSC-Khatumo administration.

Federal Government Affirms SSC-Khatumo as Official Federal Member

The communiqué issued after the visit highlighted several key developments:

1. Security Cooperation:
   • SSC-Khatumo fully supports the Somali government’s war against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
   • The federal government commended SSC-Khatumo for its local stability and agreed to integrate SSC-Khatumo’s security forces into the national security architecture.
2. Political Alignment:
   • SSC-Khatumo expressed full support for the Somali government’s national development agenda, including state-building, peace, democratization, and justice.
   • It affirmed readiness to participate in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s peace initiatives.
3. Unity and Sovereignty:
   • Both sides pledged to work together in strengthening national unity and sovereignty.
4. Formal Recognition:
   • The Somali Federal Government officially recognized SSC-Khatumo as a legitimate federal member.
   • SSC-Khatumo will be included in the National Consultative Council (NCC).
   • It was agreed that SSC-Khatumo will be treated as a full federal member under the constitution, including representation in national forums and future constitutional processes.
5. Development Projects:
   • The federal government committed to launching joint development projects in SSC-Khatumo to improve livelihoods and infrastructure.
6. Prisoner Transfer Agreement:
   • SSC-Khatumo handed over 25 detainees to federal authorities. These individuals were arrested in the conflict with Somaliland, and the federal government promised to ensure their safe return and reintegration.

Mutual Gratitude and Forward Vision

The SSC-Khatumo administration thanked the President and Prime Minister for their recognition and support. Prime Minister Barre’s visit, the first of its kind by a sitting PM to Laascaanood, concluded with joy, hope, and strengthened national unity. He called on all Somalis to unite for peace, security, and development.

“Together, we build a united Somalia,” the Prime Minister said.