Introduction:
A new wave of political tension is sweeping across Somalia amid reports that the Federal Government is orchestrating the formation of a controversial regional administration, allegedly to undermine the stability of Puntland and Somaliland. The newly promoted entity—SSC Khaatumo—is presented as a grassroots movement for the northern regions, but insiders reveal a deeper, more dangerous political agenda.
1. The Hidden Purpose of SSC Khaatumo:
Although the SSC Khaatumo leadership publicly claims to represent the interests of residents in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions, intelligence sources suggest that its creation is part of a broader federal strategy to dismantle both Puntland and Somaliland’s influence.
The plan reportedly stems from rivalries between the federal leadership in Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous administrations in the north. SSC Khaatumo is said to be the tool through which Mogadishu aims to weaken its adversaries under the guise of regional representation.
2. Abdi Madoobe – Commander or Covert Threat?
The military backbone of SSC Khaatumo is a little-known but powerful commander named Abdi Madoobe, a former security chief for Adan Hashi Eyrow, a top Al-Shabaab leader killed by a U.S. airstrike in Dhuusamareeb.
•Independent Operations: Abdi Madoobe leads well-trained troops but operates independently from the SSC administration.
•Training Methods: His forces are reportedly trained using jihadist-style methods reminiscent of the infamous Salaahudin training camps.
•Funding Suspicions: Analysts believe Al-Shabaab is secretly paying salaries to his fighters, though the commander avoids openly aligning himself with the group—possibly due to a lack of heavy weaponry or to maintain plausible deniability.
3. A Threat to Ethiopia’s National Security:
The Federal Government’s strategy appears to involve renaming SSC Khaatumo as the "Northern Somalia Administration,” positioning it as a counterweight to Somaliland.
This approach not only escalates tensions in the region but also poses a serious security risk to neighboring Ethiopia, which may find itself inadvertently pulled into Somalia’s internal conflicts through spillover violence or instability along its eastern border.
4. Misplaced Military Priorities:
Even as Al-Shabaab militants capture towns like Moqokori, Maxaas, Aadan Yabaal, and Biyo Cadde, the Federal Government is deploying elite forces not to combat terrorism—but to the Gedo region in southern Somalia, where internal power struggles are unfolding among pro-government forces.
This shift in military focus further weakens the country’s already fragile counterterrorism efforts, effectively giving Al-Shabaab more room to expand.
Conclusion:
The Federal Government’s attempt to weaponize SSC Khaatumo as a political instrument could backfire catastrophically. Analysts and security experts warn that the situation is reminiscent of the early 2000s, when armed factions operated without accountability, often funded by extremist networks.
If this trend continues, Somalia may face not only renewed internal conflict but also a complete derailment of its fight against terrorism.
By: Dahir Alasow
Investigative Journalist | Editor-in-Chief, Waagacusub Media
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Somalia's Federal Government Allegedly Building a Proxy Shabaab Administration to Destabilize Puntland and Somaliland
Introduction: A new wave of political tension is sweeping across Somalia amid reports that the Federal Government is orchestrating the formation of a controversial regional administration, allegedly to undermine the stability of Puntland and Somali