LAS ANOD, Somalia – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, presided over a historic inauguration ceremony in Las Anod on Saturday, officially installing the leadership of the newly formed North Eastern State of Somalia. In a rousing address to thousands of residents and dignitaries, the President declared Las Anod to be “the city of Somali unity,” cementing its status as a full member of the Federal Republic.
The ceremony saw the formal assumption of office by President Abdulkadir Ahmed Aw-Ali and Vice President Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril. Their inauguration marks the culmination of a grassroots political process driven by the local community’s desire for self-governance within the federal framework. President Mohamud characterized the event as a defining moment in modern Somali history, stating that the establishment of the administration was achieved through reconciliation, dialogue, and the genuine will of the people, rather than through coercion.
During his keynote address, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that the North Eastern State is now a constitutionally recognized Federal Member State, entitled to all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities held by other regional states such as Galmudug or Jubbaland. He affirmed that the Federal Government stands ready to provide comprehensive support to the new administration, particularly in the areas of security, economic infrastructure, and social services.
Addressing the political tensions in the northern regions, President Mohamud extended a significant diplomatic overture to the administration in Hargeisa. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the leadership in Somaliland to accept the hand of brotherhood extended by the people of the North Eastern State. “I call on the administration in Hargeisa to respond to the desire for peace and brotherhood that their brothers in the North East are ready for,” the President stated. He added a poignant reminder of the nation’s shared history, noting, “We are not people who can do without each other, and we have tested that we cannot be subjugated or forced.”
The President outlined a roadmap for immediate stabilization, pledging federal assistance to facilitate the release of prisoners, the reopening of vital trade routes, and the restoration of free movement between communities. He framed these steps as essential for economic recovery and social healing.
Concluding his address, President Mohamud issued a broad appeal to international partners, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies to direct their development projects toward the region. He specifically encouraged the Somali diaspora and intellectuals to return and invest their skills and resources in rebuilding the North Eastern State, describing the region as a new frontier for Somali resilience and progress.
