WikiLeaks: Saudi interest in Khatumo Administration amid Somalia’s local State formation struggles.

In a recently released report by WikiLeaks, Authorities in Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Office exchange documents and information about the plight of the people of Sool Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions. Although not formally explored yet, Oil rich Khatumo State of Somalia lies between Puntland and Somaliland regions in North Somalia. Khatumo State (Somali: Khaatumo, Arabic: ولاية خاتمة‎), officially the Khatumo State of Somalia (Somali: Maamul Goboleedka Khaatumo ee Soomaaliya), is a region in northern Somalia. Centered on the Sool, Sanaag and Cayn or SSC provinces, its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 2012.^[3]

The WikiLeaks documents describe Khatumo State as being undermined militarily and politically by its neighbours in the region. Currently occupying the capital city of Lasanod, Somaliland militia wages on going military invasions and suppressions in Khatumo while Puntland lays superficial claims to parts Khatumo region although no traces of their presence in SSC.

On the 13th of January 2012. Under the famous Gol-Khatumo tree gathered the communities of Sool Sanaag and Cayn represented by traditional leaders consisting of 13 Graads and 65 Aqils. After months of deliberations and consensus building, the SSC community has democratically estbalished Khatumo State as the only Legitimate administration in that region. The former Somali Dervish State has received a widespread welcome not only from local and diverse communities of the region but also from Federal Somalia and the international community. The former President of Somali Mr. Sheikh Shareef has also formally recognized Khatumo State as part of the local Somali provinces such as Puntland, Jubbaland, Galmudug, Hiiraan, and other regions in Greater Somalia. Hassan Sheikh, The current Somali Federal President also supports the people of Khatumo region’ right to self determination and local State formation.

A. Hindi (admin@khatumo.net).