Somalia’s North-East State — A Triumph for Unity and a Blow to Secessionist Ambitions
FPS Quarterly. September, 2025.
On July 30, 2025, Somalia achieved a transformative milestone with the establishment of the North-East State, a new federal member state encompassing approximately 40% of the former British Somaliland Protectorate, including the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions. This bold and historic achievement, spearheaded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, marks a turning point in Somalia’s federalization journey, delivering a resounding rebuke to Somaliland’s decades-long secessionist claims.
By integrating these contested territories into the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), the North-East State reaffirms the indivisible unity of the Somali nation and exposes the flawed reasoning behind external endorsements, such as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s shallow call to recognize Somaliland. For Somalis across the ideological spectrum—unionists and secessionists alike—the creation of this state illuminates a clear path forward: unity through dialogue and a shared commitment to a federal Somalia that empowers all its people.
A Grassroots Victory for Federalism
The North-East State’s formation is a triumph of grassroots resolve and federal vision, rooted in the turbulent history of the SSC regions. These areas, predominantly inhabited by the Dhulbahante and Warsangeli sub-clans of the Harti/Darod, have long been caught in a tug-of-war between Somaliland, which declared unilateral independence in 1991, and Puntland, which claims clan-based affiliations. The 2023 Las Anod conflict, sparked by local protests against targeted assassinations, escalated into armed clashes that ended Somaliland’s control over much of Sool. This paved the way for the SSC-Khatumo interim administration, recognized by the FGS on October 19, 2023, and set the stage for the North-East State.
The state’s creation was formalized through an eight-day constitutional conference in Laascaanood in July 2025, where 432 delegates—traditional elders, women, youth, politicians, and civil society leaders—crafted a state constitution aligned with Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution. With 417 votes in favor, the conference established Laascaanood as the capital, adopted a new flag and emblem, and formed an 83-member unicameral parliament (45 seats for SSC communities, 38 for Maakhir areas).
President Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, elected in August 2025 after serving as interim SSC-Khatumo leader, now heads the state alongside Vice President Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril and Speaker Adan Abdullahi Aw-Hassan. The FGS, through the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation (MoIFAR) under Minister Ali Yusuf Hosh, provided critical support, ensuring the process reflected local aspirations while advancing national unity. This inclusive approach, driven by President Mohamud and Prime Minister Barre, demonstrates that federalism can reconcile regional autonomy with Somalia’s sovereignty.
Dismantling Somaliland’s Secessionist Narrative
The North-East State’s integration of 40% of the former British Somaliland Protectorate—encompassing Sool, parts of Sanaag, and Cayn—strikes at the core of Somaliland’s secessionist claims. Somaliland has long argued that its 1960 colonial borders justify independence, a narrative rooted in the brief period when the British Somaliland Protectorate existed separately before uniting with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. However, the North-East State’s formation, driven by the Dhulbahante and Warsangeli clans’ rejection of secession, dismantles this argument.
Somaliland’s August 2, 2025, statement denouncing the state as “illegal” and vowing to reclaim Sool and Sanaag is a desperate attempt to cling to a fading vision, as local communities have unequivocally chosen federal membership over separation.
Analyst Markus Virgil Hoehne aptly notes that this development strengthens Somalia’s sovereignty by rejecting colonial-era divisions that secessionists exploit, affirming that the Somali nation transcends arbitrary historical boundaries.
Exposing External Missteps
The North-East State’s success also lays bare the naivety of external actors who misjudge Somalia’s complex dynamics. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s letter to President Donald Trump, urging recognition of Somaliland, exemplifies a gullible and superficial approach to the region’s challenges.
Cruz’s proposal, rooted in a simplistic view of Somalia as a fractured state, ignores the intricate clan dynamics, historical ties, and federal progress that define its trajectory. By advocating for Somaliland’s recognition, Cruz overlooks the FGS’s strides in stabilizing the nation and the clear rejection of secession by SSC communities. This lack of depth risks fueling division at a critical moment when Somalia is forging unity through inclusive governance.
The international community, including the United States, must instead support the FGS’s federalization efforts, which offer a proven model for stability and reconciliation, as evidenced by the North-East State’s creation.
Challenges and Opportunities
While a landmark achievement, the North-East State faces significant challenges. Territorial disputes persist, with Somaliland controlling parts of Sanaag (e.g., Erigavo) and Puntland claiming eastern Sanaag based on clan ties. Recent clashes in Dhahar highlight the risk of escalation, particularly as Puntland accuses the FGS of sowing division and Somaliland vows to reassert control. Speaker Abdullahi’s pledge to “reclaim” disputed territories underscores the need for diplomatic solutions to avoid further conflict.
Clan integration remains a hurdle, as balancing Dhulbahante and Warsangeli interests requires careful power-sharing. Criticism over low female representation—only four women in the 83-member parliament—highlights the need for greater gender inclusivity. Resource scarcity in the arid region, coupled with limited infrastructure, demands substantial FGS and donor support to deliver services and build institutions.
Yet, these challenges also present opportunities. Economically, the North-East State could leverage its proximity to Ethiopian border markets, livestock trade, and potential mineral resources to drive development. Security-wise, its alignment with the FGS enhances counter-terrorism efforts against al-Shabaab and Islamic State affiliates active in adjacent areas. The state’s success could inspire other regions, such as Awdal, to pursue federal integration, further consolidating Somalia’s unity.
The Path to Unity
For Somalis on both sides—unionists and secessionists—the North-East State’s establishment sends an unequivocal message: the future lies in unity through federal devolution. Somaliland’s leadership must recognize that its secessionist dream is untenable when significant portions of its claimed territory, like the SSC regions, embrace federal membership. Engaging in FGS-led dialogue to secure a role within Somalia’s federal system is the only viable path forward.
Similarly, Puntland must prioritize cooperation over territorial rivalries, recognizing that clan-based claims cannot override the broader national interest. President Mohamud and Prime Minister Barre’s bold leadership offers a blueprint for reconciliation, demonstrating that federal units can empower local communities while strengthening the nation.
The North-East State is a beacon of hope, proving that devolved governance can address historical grievances without fracturing Somalia’s sovereignty. Its success, built on the tireless efforts of President Mohamud and Prime Minister Barre, sets a precedent for other regions and challenges the international community to support Somalia’s federal vision over divisive external proposals.
For all Somalis, the call is clear: come together, embrace dialogue, and chart a shared destiny within one Somalia, united under a federal system where every voice is heard. The North-East State is not just a victory for Somalia—it is a clarion call for a stronger, more inclusive nation.
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