A few months ago, something quietly began in Las Anod. No breaking headlines, no international spotlight—just a group of local elders, civil society folks, and federal officials sitting around tables, talking about their future.
In the heart of the discussions, the future of las anod was a pivotal topic, reflecting the aspirations of the local population.
As these conversations unfold, the role of las anod within this new framework is increasingly vital.
The aspirations and perspectives of las anod must be recognised as an essential part of this evolving narrative.
They weren’t plotting rebellion. They weren’t tearing up flags. They were doing something far more significant: laying the groundwork for a new federal state within Somalia—one they’ve begun calling the Northwest State. This development could potentially reshape the geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa, with implications for regional stability and international relations.
Community leaders from las anod have begun to articulate a vision that resonates with many.
What’s happening might not be dramatic in the usual way, but it’s powerful. And it’s sending a message that needs to be heard, especially by those who’ve grown used to thinking the map is set in stone.
The engagement in las anod reflects a deeper understanding of local needs and aspirations.
Local Voices, Not Outsiders, Are Driving This
This didn’t come from Mogadishu. It didn’t come from some backroom deal. It started with people who’ve spent years watching others make decisions for them.
For clans in the region, particularly those in las anod, the demand for inclusion is clear.
In Sool, Sanaag, and Togdheer , residents have often felt boxed out—either by Somaliland’s leadership or by silence from the rest of Somalia. So, when the Somali government showed up, not to impose, but to listen, that was a shift.
The Interior Minister has been on the ground for weeks, actively engaging with local communities and listening to their concerns. His presence isn’t symbolic. It shows that this effort is being taken seriously—not just by hopeful locals, but by the federal leadership, which is committed to addressing the region’s grievances and fostering unity.
Somaliland’s Story Doesn’t Fit Everyone
Let’s be honest—Somaliland has built a strong, well-spoken case for independence. But that story often leaves out a huge detail: not everyone in the north agrees.
The Dhulbahante people in Sool, Sanaag and Togdheer for example, have made it clear—again and again—that they don’t see themselves as part of an independent Somaliland. The same goes for the Gadabuursi in Awdal and the Warsangeli in eastern Sanaag. They’ve asked for inclusion in the Somali federal system, not isolation from it.
The voices from las anod echo the call for self-determination in the face of external narratives.
It’s not about rejecting identity. It’s about having the freedom to choose how you’re governed.
This is not just about politics; it’s about the future of places like las anod.
Djibouti’s Quiet Alignment
Here’s where it gets interesting. Djibouti, Somalia’s northern neighbor, isn’t making loud declarations—but behind the scenes, they’re paying attention. And they seem to be siding with those who favor unity.
Djibouti has historic and cultural ties to the communities in Awdal, especially the Gadabuursi. These ties, which date back centuries, have fostered a sense of kinship and shared destiny. By quietly backing the federal push in the region, they’re making a subtle but clear point: a stable, united Somalia is better for the Horn of Africa than one divided by unhealed fractures.
The narrative of las anod must be included in the broader dialogue for peace and stability.
What Law—and Common Sense—Say About This
There’s a basic principle at play here: You can’t speak for people who never permitted you to do so. If Somaliland wants to stand on self-determination, then it must respect that same right when clans within its claimed borders say, “We’re not going with you.”
International law doesn’t hand out statehood to anyone who wants it. It demands internal agreement and external recognition. In this case, neither is guaranteed. And when regions like Las Anod make their intentions clear, it’s time to listen.
This Is a Door, Not a Line in the Sand
The idea of a Northwest State shouldn’t be feared or attacked. It’s not an act of war. It’s an invitation to reconsider what federalism means, and to give people a role in shaping their future within Somalia, rather than from outside.
Ignoring this moment would be a mistake. Suppressing it would be worse. What’s needed now is space for honest dialogue—not slogans, not threats, but actual conversation.
The people in Las Anod aren’t demanding power. They’re asking for presence. Recognition. A seat at the table.
And that’s not just politics. That’s what peace is made of.
