Somali Elders Fire Back Against Petitioners As Division Deepens Over Redistricting

‎‎The ongoing controversy surrounding the restructuring of administrative districts in the Somali Regional State has taken a new turn, as a council of prominent elders, clan leaders, and religious figures issued a strongly worded statement denouncing what they call “the politicization of traditional identity.”

‎‎In a joint message released earlier this week, they rejected claims that the recent regional redistricting of zones and woredas lacks popular support. The council, recognized by the Somali regional administration, argues the restructuring is sound.

The statement comes days after a group of elders, scholars, and civic leaders from the Somali Regional State submitted a petition for federal intervention to prevent what its authors describe as a “complete collapse of governance” under the administration of Regional President Mustafa Mohammed Omar.

The petitioners accused the regional administration of using the redistricting process as a tool to reward loyalists and suppress dissent, with entire districts allegedly being reorganized along political loyalty lines.

The council argues the reforms are a response to decades of marginalization.

“For generations, Somali communities have endured the harmful stereotype of being treated as outsiders in Ethiopia. Today, we declare, once and for all, that this mentality must end,” reads its statement. “After thirty years of silenced demands, our people are finally being heard.”

The elders affirmed their full support for the redistricting, which has already drawn fire from political parties in the neighboring Afar region, who allege the move is a breach of territorial sovereignty.

‎‎‎The council also appears to directly counter accusations made by a separate faction of Somali elders who argue that the re-zoning effort has sparked disputes among clans and lacks meaningful consultation.

‎‎In contrast, the pro-reform elders emphasized that the restructuring was “based solely on Somali land and Somali people.”

‎‎‎The administrative reform in question—ratified by the Somali Regional Council in late July—aims to redraw the internal map of the region, particularly in underserved border zones. Proponents say it addresses historical injustices and promises greater representation, while critics fear it could inflame clan-based rivalries and exacerbate local tensions.

‎‎According to regional officials, the restructuring was carried out after extensive public consultations and a study that took six years.

However, the group of petitioners that has urged for facilitated federal intervention argues that many voices were excluded and warn that the move may further destabilize inter-clan relations.