Somalia PM Launches Key Projects, Recognizes SSC-Khaatumo as Federal Member State

GOOBJOOG NEWS | LAASCAANOOD: Federal Government of Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state, marking a milestone in Somalia’s state-building efforts.

The announcement came during his visit to Laascaanood, where he launched major infrastructure projects and held wide-ranging consultations with community leaders.

Barre, alongside SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdulqadir Aw-Ali, broke ground on a new airport in Laascaanood, an ambitious initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity and unlocking economic potential in the Sool region.

He also inaugurated an electrification project that will supply power to 45 critical public facilities, including schools and health centers, addressing long-standing service gaps.

“These projects reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive development and responding to the pressing needs of communities across all regions,” said Barre at the ceremony.

The visit also included a consultative meeting with elders and representatives from the Sanaag region, where Barre emphasized the need for peace, unity, and grassroots collaboration in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

He urged local communities to take an active role in countering extremism and supporting national reconciliation.

“These community discussions are a cornerstone of our efforts to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Somalia,” he said, highlighting the importance of dialogue in strengthening social cohesion.

The Prime Minister reiterated that sustainable peace and development depend on joint efforts between government and citizens, calling on traditional leaders to contribute to long-term stability and national recovery.

The official recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state signals a turning point in Somalia’s federalization process and underscores the government’s broader agenda of unity, security, and regional empowerment.