LAS ANOD — The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has officially recognized the North East State as a complete Federal Member State (FMS), confirming its constitutional standing and the Federal Government’s direct responsibility for its security and development.
During his address, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlighted that the new administration now possesses identical rights and obligations to all other Federal Member States within Somalia’s federal structure.
“I hereby proclaim that North East State is a full federal member state of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It shall possess all rights granted to other federal member states. The Government is dedicated to the rebuilding and progress of the North East regions, and the security, defense, and safeguarding of these territories remain the duty of the Federal Government,” President Mohamud affirmed.
A Milestone in State-Building
This declaration represents a significant development in Somalia’s state-building process. Officials indicate it demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive administration and constitutional adherence. The recognition follows months of diplomatic engagement, including high-level delegations from Mogadishu working to integrate the SSC-Khatumo (North Eastern State) territories into the formal federal architecture.
The President additionally stressed that Mogadishu will prioritize reconstruction and public services in the region. Recent efforts have already seen federal ministries stepping in to support local infrastructure, such as the delivery of medical aid to local hospitals.
Security remains a paramount concern. By asserting that the defense of these territories is a federal duty, the President’s statement effectively places the region under the national security umbrella, a move likely to reshape dynamics with neighboring Somaliland and Puntland. The announcement signals a determination to enhance collaboration between the center and the periphery in the pursuit of national stability.
