Saturday August 23, 2025
Las Anod (HOL) — Lawmakers of Somalia’s newly formed
Northeastern state on Saturday elected Dr. Adan Abdullahi Aw Hassan as speaker
of the regional parliament, a key step toward completing the establishment of
the federal member state.
Dr. Adan Abdullahi secured 53 votes against his rival,
Abdiqafaar Dheeliye, who received 29. One vote was declared invalid. Also, the electoral
commission said.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza
Abdi Barre congratulated Dr. Adan Abdullahi on his election, expressing
confidence in his ability to guide the state-building process.
“I hope that God will make it easy for the new Speaker to
fulfill the heavy responsibility entrusted to him, as I believe that he will
play a prominent role in ensuring state-building, completing the electoral
process and upholding the rule of law,” President Mohamud said in a statement.
Prime Minister Hamza praised the lawmakers for what he
called an “outstanding performance” in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
MP
Amran Ahmed Hassan was also elected as the first deputy speaker.
The Federal Government of Somalia has said the process will
be finalized once a president is elected. Incumbent President Firdhiye, who
reportedly enjoys strong federal backing, is campaigning to retain his
position.
The new administration faces significant challenges,
including asserting control over Sanaag Bari — a region currently under
Puntland’s authority. Earlier this week, senior Warsangeli clan elders voiced
strong opposition to the Northeastern state.
In response, Puntland has deployed additional troops to the
Sanaag region to counter the new administration’s influence, heightening fears
of a possible armed confrontation.
