Somalia’s North East State Adopts Constitution, Marking Key Step in Federalization

GOOBJOOG NEWS | LAASA’ANOOD: Somalia’s state-building process advanced on Thursday as delegates in Laasa’anood formally adopted a constitution for the newly formed North East State, a major milestone in the country’s federal transition.

The conclusion of the constitutional conference, attended by 417 delegates from the Sool, Sanaag, and Buuhoodle regions, paves the way for the establishment of a new federal member state, officially named Waqooyi Bari, in northern Somalia.

The approval of the constitution provides the region with a legal and institutional framework for governance, following years of political unrest and the re-establishment of the SSC-Khaatumo administration in 2023.

The Somali federal government previously recognized the interim leadership, opening the door for this formal constitutional process.

Local leaders hailed the outcome as a testament to grassroots efforts to secure political autonomy and reassert local governance structures. The newly adopted charter is expected to underpin future development, public service delivery, and security in the region.

The formation of the North East State adds momentum to Somalia’s wider, and often contentious, federalization process, which has been challenged by disputes over state boundaries, resource control, and political representation.

Still, the peaceful adoption of a constitution through broad-based dialogue in Laasa’anood has been welcomed by observers as a sign that Somalia’s decentralized governance model is gaining traction in long-contested areas.