Khatumo State

Khatumo is derived from an Arabic term meaning a "positive conclusion." The administration's stated aim is to bring development and stability to the region through the establishment of a locally based government.[3]

A Khatumo State proclamation ceremony in Dubai (2013).

Control of the territory is disputed between Khatumo State (formerly HBM-SSC or Hoggaanka Badbaadada iyo Mideynta SSC), the autonomous region of Somali Puntland, and the republic of Somaliland.[7] The most popular slogan among official Khatumites is midnimada which roughly translates as unity. Many inhabitants previously self-referred as being denizens of SSC, although now it's mostly KS (Khatumo State).[8]

President Silanyo and Ali Khalif signing the Somaliland-Khatumo Agreement in Aynabo in October 2017

In 2012, the Khatumo State administration was finalized after a series of domestic and overseas conferences beginning in 2007 between prominent political figures, traditional leaders and local residents. The territory's capital was initially at Taleh.[3] Since August 2014, Las Anod serves as Khatumo State's declared administrative center.[9]

In August 2016 Khatumo state commenced peace talks with Somaliland.[10][11] The talks, however, caused a major disagreement between the president and vice-president of the administration, Ali Khalif Galaydh and Abdulle Agalule respectively, which eventually produced two separate administrations that both claimed to be the legitimate government.[12] The group led by Ali Khalif reached an agreement with Somaliland, at the town of Aynabo in October 2017, which stipulated that under the condition of changing the constitution of Somaliland, the organisation would become integrated within the Somaliland government.[4]

Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh

The Khatumo State governmental authority is structured somewhat differently from Somalia's other autonomous regional administrations. At its establishment, it had three presidents, four councils and various ministerial positions.[3] In August 2014, Member of the Federal Parliament of Somalia and former Prime Minister of Somalia Ali Khalif Galaydh was elected President of Khatumo State. He defeated former co-president Mohamed Yusuf Jama (Indhosheel) by 21 votes to 9. Assembly members, who had been appointed by traditional leaders, also selected Abdul Sulub as Vice President.[13]

Khatumo maintains its own security forces. Exclusively financed by the state administration, they are tasked with assuring local security and defending the region's borders. According to Khatumo President Abdinuur Elmi Qaaji, the forces are well trained and armed.[3] Khatumo troops have been deployed in defence operations against invading Somaliland troops in Buhoodle and other disputed towns within SSC territory.[3][14] As of 2012, Khatumo forces are led by Abdirisak Fanah, with Omar Jama Saleiman serving as official spokesman.[15][16]

Animal husbandry is the backbone of the economy of Khatumo State. Camel, cattle, goats, Oil Holhol wells and sheep are exported from the region and other parts of northern Somalia to neighboring Gulf Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia.[17] In rural areas, some farming is also practiced.[18]

Khatumo State's social and economic infrastructure is in the gradual process of rehabilitation after a prolonged period of conflict.[3] Remittances sent by Somali expatriates to relatives in the region contribute significantly to the local economy. Through the construction of a new air transportation facility, Khatumo officials have sought to encourage the repatriation of SSC residents. The returnees would in turn be accommodated in newly built hotels, restaurants and other businesses, which would serve to create additional employment opportunities.[18]

• Ali Khalif Galaydh
• Saado Ali Warsame
• Abdi Bile

• 2010 Ayn clashes

• What is Khatumo State?