LAASCAANOOD (KAAB TV) – The people of Laascaanood have come out in strong support of the SSC-Khaatumo leadership, urging the Federal Government of Somalia to allow their participation in the National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings currently taking place in Mogadishu.
On Friday, SSC-Khaatumo leaders issued a statement calling for their inclusion in the NCC talks, stressing the need for a more representative and inclusive dialogue.
They argue that their exclusion undermines the democratic process and the interests of their region.
Speaking to Kaab TV, Laascaanood resident Kaltun Abdillahi Ige condemned the Federal Government’s efforts to block SSC-Khaatumo from the discussions.
“We strongly support the SSC-Khaatumo leaders’ call for participation. The Federal Government’s refusal to allow our voice is an insult to democracy and fairness,” Ige said.
Ige and other community leaders stressed that the exclusion of SSC-Khaatumo risks delegitimizing the decisions made by the NCC and could worsen divisions within the country.
Abdifatah, another resident of Laascaanood, added, “We tell Hassan Sheikh that we fully support our SSC-Khaatumo administration. Compared to Hirshabelle State, SSC-Khaatumo is more successful and functional. It is wrong to ignore us.”
Residents also praised Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe for opposing any NCC decisions made without the participation of both Puntland and SSC-Khaatumo.
“It’s been more than a year since SSC-Khaatumo was recognized by the Federal Government. Only inclusive decision-making can help Somalia overcome the divisions and conflicts that have plagued this nation,” a resident noted.
President Madobe’s stance has been viewed as a rare show of regional solidarity, with many considering his position essential for a more inclusive and unified Somalia.
Meanwhile, Puntland’s Deputy Minister, Ilyas Osman, echoed this sentiment, praising Madobe’s remarks and emphasizing that a non-inclusive NCC cannot bring the consensus needed to address Somalia’s worsening political and security crises.
The ongoing debates over participation in the NCC have intensified, with several regions feeling sidelined from crucial national decisions.
The exclusion of key players like SSC-Khaatumo raises concerns about the future of federalism in Somalia and the stability of the state as a whole.