The ongoing tension between Puntland and SSC/Khatumo is one of the most tragic ironies of Somali politics.
Here we have two regions inhabited largely by the same kin – people who shared blood, culture, religion, and a long history – yet find themselves locked in a bitter political and military standoff.
Both Puntland and SSC are home to sub-clans of the Harti confederation, primarily the Majerteen, Dhulbahante, and Warsangali. These are not just neighbors; they are relatives. And still, the conflict over autonomy, political inclusion, and territorial control continues to deepen.
This conflict does not have to be permanent. In fact, the solution lies within the very fabric of Somali identity and tradition. The path forward requires humility, dialogue, and above all, respect for self-determination.
Respect Must Go Both Ways
SSC/Khatumo has long made its stance clear: It rejects both the secessionist ambitions of Somaliland and the perceived overreach of Puntland’s administration. The people of SSC demand genuine autonomy and the right to govern themselves without interference.
That desire should not be seen as betrayal or division – it should be seen as a valid call for political dignity. Puntland must recognize this and approach SSC not as a subject to be ruled, but as a partner to engage.
Shared Identity Can Be a Bridge
We cannot ignore the reality that Puntland and SSC are deeply interlinked – by history, family, and faith. These ties should be a starting point for reconciliation. Traditional elders, religious scholars, and civil society must take the lead in reminding both sides of what they share, not just what divides them.
The Somali xeer system, built on dialogue, restitution, and consensus, offers tools to heal these wounds. Let’s use them.
Let the People Decide
The future of SSC should be decided by the people of SSC. Period.
Any attempt to impose a political arrangement without popular consent will only deepen the fracture. Puntland should support an inclusive process where SSC communities can determine their path through referenda, public consultations, or traditional assemblies.
A Model for Decentralized Governance
There is room for innovation here. Puntland and SSC can pioneer a model where self-governance and cooperation are not mutually exclusive. A decentralized framework – where SSC manages its own affairs but collaborates with Puntland on mutual concerns like trade and security – could defuse tensions.
This wouldn’t be a breakup. It would be a political evolution rooted in mutual respect.
Stop the Guns, Start the Talks
Nothing will move forward without a full stop to armed confrontations. Las Anod and surrounding areas must be demilitarized, and trust must be rebuilt through joint security mechanisms or neutral observers.
The cost of continued conflict is high: lost lives, destroyed livelihoods, and a fractured future.
Time for Somali Solutions
Somalia’s history is full of divisions – but also of unity, resilience, and compromise. We should not wait for international actors to fix this. The answers lie within us.
Let Puntland and SSC prove that even the most strained relationships can be mended when people remember who they are: brothers, not enemies.
Enough is enough. Let the healing begin.
By Yusuf Said Hersi
