Ethiopia is restructuring its federal system by dividing the Somali Regional State into four administrative clusters with expanded powers, a move expected to significantly reduce the authority of the regional presidency and reshape governance across the region.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Ethiopia has unveiled a sweeping administrative reform that will divide the Somali Regional State into four new administrative clusters, part of a broader restructuring of the country’s federal system aimed at decentralizing governance and expanding local administrative authority.
The reform, known as the Cluster (Golle) System, replaces much of the existing zonal administrative structure with larger regional clusters responsible for public administration, planning, budgeting and service delivery. Officials say the changes are intended to improve government efficiency by organizing administration around geography and economic integration rather than the current ethnic-based framework.
Under the new structure, the Somali Regional State will be divided into four clusters, each with its own leadership, headquarters and government institutions.
The first cluster will combine the former Fafan, Sitti and Jarar zones, with Shinile serving as its administrative capital. Reports indicate Deputy Regional President Ibrahim Osman is expected to head the new administration.
The second cluster will comprise Liban, Dawa and Afder zones, headquartered in Filtu, with Abdulqadir Rashid Duale widely expected to become its president.
The third cluster will unite Shabelle, Erer and Nogob zones under an administration based in Godey, while Mohamed Omar is expected to lead the cluster.
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The fourth cluster will merge Qorahay and Doolo zones with its headquarters in Qabridahare, where Fatah Mohamed Fatah is reportedly expected to serve as president.
The reform also restructures Oromia Regional State, which will be divided into six administrative clusters.
Under the new system, powers previously exercised by zonal administrations—including financial management, planning and public services—will be transferred directly to the cluster governments. District administrations will report to their respective clusters instead of the regional government through zonal offices.
The changes are also expected to significantly reduce the executive authority of the President of the Somali Regional State, with many administrative responsibilities shifting to the new cluster presidents.
Political analysts say that if fiscal authority and administrative powers are fully devolved, the clusters could gradually evolve into highly autonomous regional administrations, fundamentally reshaping governance and political power within Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State.
About the Author
Bashir Guhad is a reporter at Somali Report covering politics, security, business, and trade across the Somali region.
