Abaq
VIP
In the Farmajo era, the term 'Gareen State' became popularised to refer to weak states that were totally reliant upon the FGS for financial aid. This in turn meant those states were totally subservient to the FGS and could not refuse Villa Somalia's commands.
Today, SSC-Khaatumo is shaping up to be the perfect Gareen State for Villa Somalia. Unknown to most people, SSC-Khaatumo currently faces severe financial stress. With no port under its control and the closure of the road to Berbera, sources of revenue are very limited. In addition, similar to Jubaland in 2012, any new state no matter how far removed ultimately needs recognition from the FGS for legitimacy and to access international support.
These two things together (financial stress and need for FGS recognition) means that SSC-Khatumo in effect has to do the bidding of Villa Somalia. It may have received recognition now (albeit conditional on completing its state constitution and conference), however, the financial black hole still remains. Just like KGS and Hirshabelle, SSC-Khatumo will remain reliant on FGS funding for the foreseeable future.
However, unlike the other gareen states, SSC-Khatumo is a Darod Gareen State. In 4.5 Somalia, this is as good as it gets for a Hawiye dominated FGS. They can now claim that they have a broad consensus for the blatant power grab vis a vis the states that HSM is spearheading (SSC-Khaatumo will replace Puntland/Jubaland). If HSM was clever, he would also push for an Awdal Gareen State to complete the charade.
Will SSC-Khaatumo accept the strings that come attached with FGS funding? In between a hostile Somaliland and a shaky alliance with Puntland, does it even have the luxury of choice?
Today, SSC-Khaatumo is shaping up to be the perfect Gareen State for Villa Somalia. Unknown to most people, SSC-Khaatumo currently faces severe financial stress. With no port under its control and the closure of the road to Berbera, sources of revenue are very limited. In addition, similar to Jubaland in 2012, any new state no matter how far removed ultimately needs recognition from the FGS for legitimacy and to access international support.
These two things together (financial stress and need for FGS recognition) means that SSC-Khatumo in effect has to do the bidding of Villa Somalia. It may have received recognition now (albeit conditional on completing its state constitution and conference), however, the financial black hole still remains. Just like KGS and Hirshabelle, SSC-Khatumo will remain reliant on FGS funding for the foreseeable future.
However, unlike the other gareen states, SSC-Khatumo is a Darod Gareen State. In 4.5 Somalia, this is as good as it gets for a Hawiye dominated FGS. They can now claim that they have a broad consensus for the blatant power grab vis a vis the states that HSM is spearheading (SSC-Khaatumo will replace Puntland/Jubaland). If HSM was clever, he would also push for an Awdal Gareen State to complete the charade.
Will SSC-Khaatumo accept the strings that come attached with FGS funding? In between a hostile Somaliland and a shaky alliance with Puntland, does it even have the luxury of choice?