Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a historic visit to Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region, marking the first time a sitting president has traveled there in over four decades. The visit comes at a time of increased diplomatic tension in the Horn of Africa, following Israel's recognition of Somaliland, which has been strongly opposed by Somalia's central government.

President Mohamud attended the inauguration of the president of the newly formed Northeast State, now Somalia's sixth federal state. This state includes the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, territories claimed by Somaliland but recently brought under Somali control after violent clashes forced Somaliland's withdrawal from Las Anod in 2023.

The Somali president's office described the visit as a symbol of unity and a reaffirmation of the federal government's commitment to maintaining Somalia's territorial integrity. The move underscores ongoing disputes between Somalia's central government and its semi-autonomous regions, as well as the broader struggle for control and recognition in the region.