ADDIS REPORTER ADDIS ABABA — The Somali Regional State is finalizing a major structural reform that will divide the region into three distinct administrative clusters, each overseen by a Vice President. The move, aimed at aligning leadership with the region’s diverse zonal and social makeup, is being hailed by insiders as a practical step to slice through bureaucratic red tape and foster deep-rooted regional development.
For decades, particularly under the previous EPRDF regime, the Somali region was structurally marginalized, often labeled as a distant, underdeveloped borderland left out of central political decisions. Today, that narrative is shifting entirely. The region is already in the middle of massive federal and regional infrastructure investments. Officials say this new cluster administration will take things a step further by smoothing out local governance, cutting down on administrative friction, and turning the region into a highly efficient hub for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Beyond economic growth, the reform is built to bring the region closer to the national fold, strengthening a sense of shared Ethiopian patriotism and unity through fair, localized representation.
Under the proposed organizational structure, the region’s administrative zones will be grouped into three distinct governance clusters based on geographic and clan dynamics:
Sources indicate that the Somali region is not alone in this approach, as other regional states in Ethiopia are quietly preparing to roll out similar cluster-based governance models to improve local administration and speed up economic growth.
Cluster 1: Comprising Dawa Zone (Gare clan), Liban Zone (dominated by Dagodi, along with Gure and Marehan), and Afder Zone (majority Ogaden, alongside Gadsan, Hawiye, Shekash, and Gariire clans).
Cluster 2: Encompassing Shabele Zone (a diverse mix of Ogaden, Hawiye, and Jareer), Nogob Zone (Ogaden), Qoraxay Zone (majority Ogaden, with Hawiye and Marehan minorities), and Dollo Zone (predominantly Harti, Ogaden, and Marehan, alongside the Abayonis clan).
Cluster 3: Covering Jarar Zone (Isaaq and Ogaden), Fafen Zone (Isaaq, Jidwaaq, Samaroon, Gari, and Hawiye), Siti Zone (Ciise, Gadabursi, Gurgure, and Hawiye), and Fiiq Zone (Ogaden and Hawiye).
The final legal frameworks defining the exact boundaries of power for the three new Vice Presidents are expected to be officially ratified soon.
However, the plan has already drawn criticism from certain diaspora groups. Reports out of Minnesota and parts of Canada indicate that some political factions are attempting to manufacture a controversy out of the announcement. These groups are pushing a narrative that the restructuring is a calculated political move designed to strip power from the regional President.
Local officials in Jigjiga have quickly dismissed these claims as empty noise. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a regional official stressed that the administration is entirely focused on delivering landmark development and regional projects.
“We simply do not have time for gossip or manufactured agendas,” the official said. “Our focus is on what benefits the people of this region. Structures must adapt to serve development; nothing is set in stone. If it helps the region prosper, it will be implemented.”
Sources indicate that the Somali region is not alone in this approach, as other regional states in Ethiopia are quietly preparing to roll out similar cluster-based governance models to improve local administration and speed up economic growth.
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