Mogadishu, Somalia – SSC-Khatumo’s Information Minister, Najib Barkhadle, has strongly criticized federal lawmakers hailing from Somaliland, labeling their involvement in national decision-making as illegitimate and harmful.
In a statement made during a press briefing on Saturday, Barkhadle described it as a “crime” for these MPs to exert influence over issues affecting Somalia, especially while lacking access to the regions they purportedly represent.
“These so-called representatives cannot even set foot in the villages they claim to represent. It is a moral and political crime for them to shape the direction of the federal government,” Barkhadle declared, referring to Somaliland MPs seated in Somalia’s bicameral federal legislature.
His remarks come amid growing tensions between SSC-Khatumo, which claims autonomy from both Somaliland and the Puntland State, and officials from Somaliland who continue to participate in Somalia’s federal institutions despite Hargeisa’s secessionist position.
Barkhadle accused Somaliland MPs of promoting a separatist agenda under the guise of national politics.
“Their allegiance lies with an administration that rejects the Somali federal system. Their participation in the federal parliament undermines our sovereignty and misrepresents the interests of communities in the north,” he added.
The statement reflects the ongoing friction between SSC-Khatumo and the Somaliland administration, especially following recent armed clashes in the disputed Sool region.
SSC-Khatumo leaders have called for full recognition as a federal member state, while condemning what they see as Somaliland’s “occupation” of northern territories.
Barkhadle urged the federal government and international partners to re-evaluate the legitimacy of MPs from Somaliland and ensure that national decisions are not swayed by individuals who “have no mandate on the ground.”
Neither the federal government nor representatives from Somaliland in Mogadishu have issued a formal response to the comments as of press time.