📌 Introduction
The Federal Government of Somalia has ignited new controversy after signaling its intention to recognize Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) — also referred to as Khaatumo — as a federal member state. While this move may seem like a step toward broader inclusion, it has stirred political tensions with Puntland, which constitutionally claims SSC as part of its territory.
In this blog post, I explore the legal, political, and security consequences of this move.
Can SSC truly become a federal member without Puntland’s approval? Let’s dig in.
📜 I. What the Constitution Says
Somalia’s Provisional Constitution offers a roadmap for forming federal states:
Article 49(6): "Two or more regions may voluntarily merge to form a Federal Member State."
But here’s the problem — SSC is not composed of two or more independent regions. It is already part of Puntland, a recognized federal member.
That means SSC does not meet the requirement for standalone federal statehood under Article 49(6).
📎 Additional Violations If SSC Is Recognized Unilaterally:
Article 50(1a): Federal and state governments must consult on governance
Article 54: Power and resource sharing can only occur via negotiation
And importantly:
Article 142(1): Federal member states that existed before the current Constitution (like Puntland, established 1998) retain their powers until a permanent constitution is finalized.
🛑 In short: Puntland’s territorial integrity cannot be ignored.
📣 II. Puntland’s Legal and Political Stand
On July 16, 2025, Puntland responded clearly: SSC is part of its constitutional territory.
Puntland’s own constitution (Articles 7 and 138) enshrines Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn as part of its domain. SSC communities have historically been involved in Puntland’s institutions — including Parliament, the Cabinet, and the Judiciary.
Puntland argues:
No region can be separated from it without a legal process
The Federal Government is breaching constitutional limits
The move is politically motivated, aimed at influencing the 2026 elections
🗺️ Article 138 of the Puntland Constitution sets strict conditions:
Parliamentary approval
Public consultation
Clear legal frameworks
None of these have happened.
🏛️ III. The Lasanod Conference: Illegal Federal Interference?
Puntland accuses the Federal Government of funding and orchestrating the Lasanod conference — which it considers a direct intrusion into its territory.
Yes, Puntland supported the 2023 uprising against Somaliland. But it insists that this doesn’t justify inventing a new state from within Puntland borders.
📉 The risk? Legal breakdown, political fragmentation, and chaos.
⚠️ IV. Consequences If SSC Is Recognized Unilaterally
🧨 Possible Fallout:
Erosion of federal trust and unity
Armed conflict or social unrest
Somaliland might reassert control over Lasanod
Radical groups like Al-Shabaab could exploit instability
🧭 V. What Should SSC Do to Become a Legitimate Federal State?
SSC can’t skip the rules. Here’s what’s required:
Build a unified, competent administration
Ensure territorial peace and stability
Enter structured dialogue with Puntland
Collaborate transparently with FGS
Support a constitutional review process
✅ Conclusion
Federalism isn’t just a political slogan — it’s a system grounded in law and mutual respect.
Somalia’s future depends on honoring this structure. SSC’s membership must come from legal dialogue, regional consent, and national unity — not force or political manipulation.
📝 Final Thoughts
SSC has shown resilience since the Lasanod rebellion. But federal status requires more than military gains or campaign promises.
It needs legal legitimacy and broad consensus.
Puntland’s objections aren’t mere politics — they reflect real fears of constitutional collapse and regional chaos.
