In 2025, I traveled to Lasanod twice, once in February and again in the third week of April. My February trip was the first time I visited this city, and it became a part of my personal history. I visited a part of Somalia that I had never been to before and had dreamed of visiting for years.
I first heard the term SSC from the late Somali singer Sado Ali Warsame on Somali Universal TV. She advocated for Khatumo’s self-determination and recognition as an independent state back in my primary school days. I am now connecting the dots. While she is no longer with us (may Allah reward her with Jannah), I witnessed her dreams come true in Lasanod, the five-star Somali flag waving in all corners of the city.
Honestly, I had a picture in my mind where I was putting myself at risk to travel to a city where the scars of past conflicts were still visible and its new state was still immature. A town where clan militias that I had seen on social media were still present in the city and could easily kill you without fear of being held accountable. Everyone who follows social media might imagine this if they have never traveled to Lasanod.
I also had another picture in mind: a small town without many services, like the big towns. It was nothing like I imagined. I visited a big city with all the services and felt safe. I never imagined that I would not hear the sound of bullets, but I didn’t hear any.
At 9 a.m., my colleagues and I traveled from Garowe to Lasanod by road, approximately 130 km. Fortunately, the road conditions were good, and there were no security concerns. We crossed almost seven villages between Garowe and Lasanod, and in two hours, we safely arrived in Lasanod. At the checkpoint, a soldier stepped out of a small room, his uniform marked with the Khatumo state flag. He checked our car, asked about our destination, and allowed us to enter the town. We went directly to our booked hotel. As I was on the road in the city, my mind shifted from fear to unexpected observations. I saw a city that seemed to have moved on from its past. Buildings were going up. Uniformed soldiers were providing security. Traffic officers were preventing jams.
A city between two mountains, with few trees and stony ground, old homes, and historic buildings, where its men love tea and meat. It’s common for them to invite you to have khat (miraa) with them. A generous people who never allow you to pay, as you are their guest. A city filled with nationalists. Streets and most sitting areas brim with discussions on politics and Somalia’s future.
A religious city dominated by Al-Ictisam, where mosques are filled on time for the five prayers.
On my first day, in the afternoon, I came down from my room to the cafeteria. Karash (former vice president of Puntland) was there with key ministries of Khatumo, retired officials from the federal government, and some of the Garaads whom I had watched on TV during the conflicts. I realized I was in a safe hotel where such officials trusted themselves to stay. But this was not true. Most of them came from their homes. They only went to the hotel for tea and conversation. Then they returned home late at night.
Hamda Hotel
I interacted with local people during my stay in Lasanod in February and April. I also connected with government offices and businesspeople. I learned about the people’s perspectives. The city’s scars from the conflicts were evident. Yet, everyone in Lasanod shared the same belief. They envisioned having an independent state of SSC-Khatumo. They proved it by willingly paying taxes. They followed orders from the government. They proudly carried the state’s flag in their hands. Lasanod is definitely a city ready to host the capital of a new state.
My second visit was three days after the Prime Minister’s visit. Photos of Somalia’s prime minister and his delegates were displayed on the streets and in hotels. I don’t know why they included President HSM’s photos. Sorry, I know he is the sitting president and recognized the state. Welcoming the Prime Minister was everyone’s responsibility. I met a man from Garowe who came with his car to welcome the prime minister. Everyone in Lasanod volunteered their time and money for the historic visit of the prime minister to Lasanod. Hamza’s photos were in homes and small shops he wouldn’t expect to visit. This showed how genuine the welcoming was, not a show-off. I assume it’s because all SSC-Khatumo people wanted to become a federal member state of Somalia. He was the one who made it happen and announced it. Fiqi is also a very respected person in Lasanod.
There are many must-visit places in Lasanod. Khatumo, AKA Shaaha Ninka, is a tea spot where most youth and men gather. Isha Biyaha & Xargaga maintains. Hamda Hotel and Jabutawi Restaurant also have nice spaces.
Lasanod is a city full of hope. This is possible if it is saved from political and power games. Its future decisions must be made wisely and carefully, not emotionally, and one should respect the people’s interests.
Sool Regional Hospital
As with every new state replacing a functioning system, there are shortcomings. I noticed Lasanod must register its clan militias and control arms in the town—especially if they are not on duty. This poses a risk to the town’s security. As the fight has ended, all collaborations must be restored, and no group or clan should feel excluded. The city is growing and has the potential to become the new state’s capital and a business hub where diversity thrives.