Decision Against Ethiopia Unity and National Stability
Why didn’t he make such a decision earlier or later—what made it so urgent and necessary right now? Mustafe Muhumed’s Calculated Agenda: A Direct Threat to Ethiopia’s Federal Unity.

Politicians, intellectuals, diplomats, security institutions, and the general public are all asking: Why would the President of the Somali Region take a decision that dismantles the internal cohesion of his people and ignites fresh conflict between Somalis and Oromos?

At a time when Ethiopia is facing a deeply complex political, security, and economic crisis—caused by ongoing conflicts between federal forces and the OLA and FNO rebel groups, the breakdown of security in Amhara and Oromia regions, the looming threat of renewed war in Tigray, and mounting diplomatic pressure—Mustafe Muhumed Omer,the President of the Somali Regional State, has taken a decision that directly undermines the unity of the somali region and the historical brotherhood between Somalis and Oromos.

Mustafe’s decision to support an unconstitutional political mobilization aimed at dividing the region and establishing clan-based “sub-regional administrations” driven by tribalism and narrow personal interests, reflects profound political recklessness and national betrayal. This is not a time for promoting divisive agendas or igniting new conflicts, but rather a moment when he should be playing a unifying role among the Somali people and countering the enemy’s plans aimed at destabilizing Ethiopia from within.

It is clearly evident that Mustafe’s actions align with the agenda of the Egypt–Eritrea alliance, whose aim is to obstruct Ethiopia’s ambitions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its access to the sea. These plans now appear to be directly funded by foreign allies, while internal clan-based conflicts and a new wave of civil strife are being manufactured to sabotage national defense efforts.

It is crucial that the people of the Somali Region—and Ethiopians in general—recognize that Mustafe is becoming the first figure to break the principle of Ethiopian unity, carrying the interests of those who want to see Ethiopia fragmented and collapsed. doing so at a time when the nation is at its most vulnerable, facing both internal and external pressure.

This comes after President Mustafe announced the creation of 25 new city administrations, 15 new districts, and 4 new zones. This decision has directly undermined the peace agreement between the Oromo and Somali communities, fractured the unity among Somali clans within the region, and eroded the trust that once existed between the Somali public and both the federal and regional governments—trust that was already strained.

Horn Politics, which has closely investigated these developments, has compiled political reactions explaining the motives behind President Mustafe’s controversial move at this critical time.
Analysis of the Motive Behind the Decision: The Approval of Districts, Zones, and City Administrations by the President of the Somali Regional State

For many people, this decision has brought deep disappointment, as it has caused a significant rupture in the unity of the Somali clans in the region—particularly among the Ogaden,Jidwaak Likewise, the Samaroon clans were also hurt by this decision, which damaged their trust in both the regional and federal governments. They stated that Mustafe’s marginalization of their communities is a form of punishment for their continued support of Ethiopia and the ruling Prosperity Party.

They also claimed that Mustafe’s administration only respects those who are in opposition to peace, while sidelining those who have remained loyal.

Furthermore, this decision has triggered new tensions between the Somali and Oromo communities.
According to statements from the Oromia people , the new administrative restructuring approved by Mustafe is seen as a strategy to deepen the divide between the Somali and Oromo peoples, who have historically coexisted peacefully. The objective, they argue, is to provoke territorial disputes and to sever connections between the two communities.

Reaction of the Oromo Community and the Statement of the Somali Regional President

Following President Mustafe Muhumed Omer’s decision to establish new administrations, including towns such as Moyale, Shakiso, Biyada, Marmaarsa, and Obasha , the Oromo community responded with strong condemnation. Widespread protests erupted across the Oromia region, as the Oromo people described the move as “land being taken from them,” sparking anger and mass demonstrations expressing their firm rejection of the plan.

Immediately after, a spokesperson for Somali Regional President Mustafe Muhumed Omer made a bold statement, declaring that Moyale, Shakiso, Biyada, Marmaarsa, and Obsha are Somali territories, and that the Oromo are mistaken—arguing instead that it is the Somali people who have rightful ownership over the land. This statement further inflamed tensions and revealed that the move was not solely a decision by President Mustafe, but one influenced by other forces behind the scenes. The sudden implementation of this plan at such a politically sensitive time under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration raises serious questions.

The Oromo Reaction: More Than a Protest

Widespread demonstrations have erupted across Oromia. Oromo citizens view this as an unprecedented land grab—one that even the former TPLF regime didn’t dare attempt. The silence, or perceived complicity, of the federal government has only deepened public resentment.

Many Oromo activists and political (FCO and OLA) commentators are now directing their criticism at Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, accusing him of standing idle while ancestral Oromo lands are being seized. Some even argue that this is a form of political punishment against Oromos for the recent opposition coalition that seeks to challenge his leadership.

The message from Oromia is clear: “If this land seizure continues under your watch, Mr. Prime Minister, we can only assume you are complicit.”

Debate has arisen about who Mustafe is relying on to make such weighty political and security-related decisions. Some believe he is backed by high-ranking federal officials like Adan Farah and Ahmed Shide. Others argue that President Mustafe has embraced the belief that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government is on the verge of collapse—politically, diplomatically, and in terms of national security. In this view, Mustafe anticipates that the emerging alliance of Oromo opposition groups, along with TPLF, Fano, and Eritrea, may soon take control of the country. Therefore, they believe he made this bold decision as a preemptive move to challenge the Oromo. “Politicians, intellectuals, scholars, the general public, the opposition, and even government supporters have all been astonished by the timing of President Mustafe’s decision. People have expressed differing and conflicting opinions about who is truly behind this decision and what interests it is meant to serve.”

The Strategy of Egypt and Eritrea
Some local political analysts believe that this plan originates from the Egyptian government, using figures such as Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Barre—who is known to be a close ally of Mustafe—as intermediaries. Others believe Egypt is acting through the Fano militia, which also has close ties to President Mustafe, suggesting that the decision was deliberately and strategically carried out under foreign influence.
Mustafe’s Personal Strategy
Many people believe that President Mustafe, upon realizing he had lost the popular support of the Somali Region’s residents, adopted this decision as a calculated strategy to ignite inter-clan conflict and dismantle public unity. His aim, they argue, is to prevent the public from uniting against his administration by sowing confusion and internal divisions.
The Strategy of Adan Farah and Ahmed Shide: The Resurgence of Legacy Politics
This group believes that Adan Farah and Ahmed Shide—both of whom are trusted by the Prime Minister—are behind this move, motivated by long-standing hostility toward the Ogaden clan. Their alleged plan includes redrawing the political map of the Somali Region to undermine the influence and political claims of the Ogaden community. Their aim, it is argued, is to promote the notion that the region belongs primarily to the Dir clans while portraying the Ogaden as a minority. Through this strategy, a new administrative structure would be engineered to elevate the Dir clans and systematically marginalize the Ogaden. A clear example cited is how the new administrative units were structured to reflect this agenda.
A Call to Action: Federal Leadership Must Respond
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed can no longer remain silent. The federal government must take swift and lawful action to suspend the implementation of these new administrative changes and launch an impartial investigation into their legality.

Moreover, the Prime Minister must directly address the Oromo public, clarify his government’s position, and reassure all citizens that Ethiopia will not descend into clan-based fiefdoms.
The Somali People Must Take Ownership

This crisis is not one to be resolved solely from Addis Ababa. The people of the Somali Region must recognize that President Mustafe’s actions have placed their community on a perilous path. There must be public acknowledgment that his actions do not reflect the will of the people.

It is no longer acceptable for citizens to claim they are waiting for the federal government to remove him. If Mustafe does not represent the Somali people’s interests, it is time to say so loudly and clearly: “Mustafe must go.”

Public forums, traditional leaders, and community activists must organize and demand accountability. The Somali Region’s future cannot be shaped by autocratic decisions cloaked in ethnic favoritism.
Safeguarding Oromo Interests Through Unity, Not Isolation
The Oromo people must remain politically vigilant. While resisting unlawful land appropriation, they must also reject the urge for isolation or retaliation. Instead, dialogue with Somali counterparts should be encouraged—particularly among elders, youth, and civil society.

What is needed is a unified Oromo civic response: a citizen council that holds both federal and regional leadership accountable and safeguards the Oromo people’s legal and territorial rights without resorting to division or violence.

Conclusion: A National Threat Requires a National Response
Mustafe’s agenda is not just a regional issue. It is a national threat. His actions risk dismantling Ethiopia’s fragile ethnic federalism, destabilizing key regions, and provoking a crisis that external actors will readily exploit.

This moment calls for courageous leadership, organized civic action, and constitutional clarity. Ethiopia cannot afford silence. It cannot afford division. It cannot afford to ignore this threat.