By Abdihakim Siyad
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has congratulated Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, widely known as Firdhiye, and Abdirashid Yuusuf Jibriil on their election as President and Vice President of the newly established North Eastern State of Somalia, with Lascanod as its capital.
The announcement marks a historic political shift, transforming a region once gripped by violent conflict into Somalia’s newest federal member state.
From Conflict Zone to Federal State
Lascanod, a city in the contested Sool region, has long been at the heart of a deep-rooted territorial and political dispute between Somaliland authorities and the local population, who have consistently called for full integration into Somalia’s federal system. Tensions escalated in early 2023 when protests against Hargeisa’s rule turned into armed clashes, resulting in hundreds of deaths and mass displacement.
After more than a year of conflict and sustained resistance, Somaliland troops withdrew. In the aftermath, the people of the region—under the SSC (Sool, Sanaag, Ayn) banner—took the bold step of forming a new political entity aligned with the Somali Republic.
Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye has been elected as the President of the newly established Northeastern State of Somalia for the 2025-2030 term, following a decisive victory in the second round of voting with 66 votes.
Firdhiye, who has served as interim president since 2023… pic.twitter.com/TEooe5Mz2r
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) August 30, 2025
Through community mobilization, local consultation, and grassroots leadership, the idea of a federal state became a reality. The election of Firdhiye, a prominent figure in the resistance movement, now represents a new era of local governance—born from struggle, yet firmly rooted in the will of the people.
Federal Backing and National Significance
In his official statement, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the democratic maturity demonstrated by the lawmakers, elders, and residents of the North Eastern region.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Cabdulqaadir Axmed Aw-Cali and Vice President Cabdirishiid Yuusuf Jibriil. May Allah guide them in leading a government that unites the people and strengthens our federal union. The Federal Government is committed to working closely with the new leadership to achieve peace, progress, and good governance,” the President stated.
The formation of the North Eastern State not only reshapes Somalia’s internal political landscape but also sends a strong message to other regions seeking greater representation and inclusion.
It challenges Somaliland’s long-standing claim over the SSC regions and reaffirms the growing influence of Somalia’s federal model in previously contested territories.
For Lascanod, this marks the beginning of a new journey—transforming a former frontline of war into a symbol of resilience, self-determination, and national unity.
