Laascaanood – April 10, 2025

Prime Minister of Somalia, Xamse Cabdi Barre, is scheduled to arrive in Laascaanood on Friday for a significant two-day visit that could reshape political dynamics in northern Somalia. The visit is expected to reinforce federal ties with SSC-Khaatumo, advance reconciliation efforts, and launch key development projects.

Here are seven important things you should know about the visit:

1. Two-Day Visit:
   The Prime Minister will be in Laascaanood from Friday to Saturday, marking the first such high-level visit to the city since the 1980s. He is expected to return to Mogadishu on Saturday evening.
2. Ministerial Delegation:
   Xamse will be accompanied by nearly 10 federal ministers. However, none of the delegates are from Somaliland regions, which may spark discussion about regional representation.
3. Prisoner Exchange Announcement:
   One of the key highlights of the visit will be the announcement of a prisoner swap agreement between SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland. Currently, 283 Somaliland prisoners are held in Laascaanood, while 67 SSC-Khaatumo prisoners are detained in Hargeisa.
4. Federal State Formation Push:
   During the visit, the Prime Minister is expected to call on SSC-Khaatumo leaders to accelerate the process of establishing a formal Federal Member State. This includes meeting the constitutional requirements to gain official recognition from the federal government.
5. Meeting with Local Elders:
   Xamse will hold discussions with elders from Baran, Dahar, and Laas Qoray to address power-sharing within SSC-Khaatumo and build political consensus on the state-building process.
6. Development Projects Launch:
   The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stones for at least 10 new development projects that are seen as vital for the region’s recovery and growth.
7. Opening of NIRA Office:
   A regional branch of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) will be officially opened in Laascaanood. This will allow local residents to register for national ID cards. The director of NIRA is already in the city as part of an advance team.

Now the question is: will this trip be a success or a missed opportunity — and who will benefit most?