Traditional Elders Intervene After Failed Conference Sparks Armed Clashes in Las Anod
By Goth Mohamed Goth
A critical meeting sponsored by Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) to establish the SSC-Khaatumo administration has collapsed, deepening political divisions in the region. The failure underscores a defining power struggle between key figures: Khalif (an insider-turned-outsider) and Firdhiye (a federalist loyalist).
On Wednesday, multiple presidential candidates accused interim leader Firdhiye of undermining the state finalization conference, scheduled to open Thursday in Las Anod. At a press briefing, they denounced the event as “exclusionary and illegitimate,” citing inadequate representation for the Warsangeli clan. They alleged delegates were selected without full clan endorsement. 
The crisis escalated when an initial attempt to convene the conference at Jabuutiwi Hotel was disrupted by six armed technical vehicles linked to Mr. Ahmed Kharash and Mr. Abdirisaaq Khalif. Rival factions later moved toward the University under armed escort but faced gunfire, heightening tensions.
Traditional elders (Garaad’s) intervened, brokering a temporary ceasefire and demanding both sides lift their siege of Las Anod. Following an emergency meeting, the elders issued binding directives:
1. No amendments to the existing SSC-Khaatumo charter agreed upon by Dhulbahante clans under Firdhiye’s interim administration.
2. Immediate withdrawal of the visiting Warsangeli delegation and tribal militias to their home territories.
3. Demilitarization of Las Anod: All candidate-aligned militia forces must exit the city and cease destabilizing actions.
4. Direct talks between elders and the Mogadishu-based delegation.
The elders emphatically pledged that no faction would be permitted to unilaterally control future talks, reaffirming their authority over the process.
