LAS ANOD — In a watershed moment for the Horn of Africa, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Las Anod on Friday, marking the first time a Somali head of state has entered the strategic city in decades. The visit serves as a definitive assertion of federal authority over the region following the expulsion of Somaliland forces in August 2023 and coincides with the establishment of the new North Eastern State administration.
Upon his arrival at the local airstrip, President Mohamud was received by senior regional leaders and federal officials. Images of the President waving the national flag, a symbol previously prohibited under the city’s former administration, circulated rapidly, underscoring the shift in power dynamics. The President’s presence is intended to signal to the international community that the region is now firmly aligned with Mogadishu, effectively challenging Hargeisa’s claims to the colonial borders of the former British protectorate.
Solidifying Federal Control and Regional Alliances
The visit occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension. It follows mere weeks after reports of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and days after the Federal Government suspended diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty. Federal officials have framed the President’s tour as a reinforcement of Somalia’s territorial integrity against external fragmentation.
In a display of regional solidarity, President Mohamud welcomed a high-level delegation from the Republic of Djibouti at his residence in Las Anod. The delegation, which included the Minister of Religion and Endowments, H.E. Mu’min Hassan Barre, and the Minister of Communication, H.E. Ridwan Abdullahi Bahdon, traveled to the city to attend the upcoming inauguration of the region’s leadership.
During their discussions, President Mohamud acknowledged Djibouti’s consistent support for Somalia’s state-building efforts. In turn, the Djiboutian representatives reaffirmed their country’s “unwavering dedication” to a unified Somalia, congratulating the Federal Government on its recent diplomatic maneuvers to preserve national sovereignty.
Community Mobilization and Public Support
The President’s arrival sparked widespread festivities across Las Anod. On Friday night, thousands of residents gathered at the historic “Martyrs’ Monument” for a rally organized by local youth and civil society groups. The demonstration was characterized by slogans rejecting secessionism and affirming a unified Somali identity.
Parallel to the public rallies, President Mohamud convened a consultative session with traditional elders and cultural leaders of the region. Emphasizing that traditional structures are the “principal custodians of peace,” the President urged the elders to spearhead social cohesion and reconciliation efforts. The elders, in response, pledged their commitment to the federal framework and the stability of the emerging regional administration.
Domestic Political Implications
While the visit projects unity externally, it also serves a domestic political function. Many officials have gathered in the city for the swearing-in of Abdulkadir Ahmed Aw Ali Firdhiye as the president of the newly recognized North Eastern State.
However, analysts note that President Mohamud faces intensifying pressure in Mogadishu. Opposition leaders and several regional states have issued an ultimatum regarding the disputed electoral process, calling for consensus-based dialogue by January 20. The success of the Las Anod visit may be calculated to bolster the administration’s standing as it navigates these internal political challenges.
