Monday August 26, 2024
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi addresses the public during a speech in Hargeisa on Monday, August 26, where he firmly rejected the Somali government's directive to remove all references to "Somaliland" from business services. Bihi emphasized Somaliland's sovereignty and dismissed the directive as futile. Credit: SLNTV
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has firmly rejected a directive from the Somali government that mandates the removal of all references to "Somaliland" from business services, a move that has heightened tensions between the two regions.
Earlier this week, the directive, issued by the Somali Ministry of Commerce and Industry, targets major remittance companies operating within Somalia, including Paysii, Dahabshiil, and Jubba Express. These companies have been ordered to cease using the name "Somaliland" by September 1, with the Somali government arguing that the measure is essential for preserving its territorial integrity. Non-compliance could result in legal consequences under Somali law.
The Somali government successfully compelled Ethiopian Airlines and FlyDubai to list Hargeisa as part of Somalia on their booking platforms.
During a speech at the inauguration of a new prison in Hargeisa on Monday, President Bihi criticized the directive, stating that it would not affect Somaliland's sovereignty. "President Mohamud, who cannot even secure his own residence in Mogadishu without international troops, is issuing directives to prevent Somaliland's planes from landing and banks from operating under our name," Bihi said. "Somalia's attempts to undermine Somaliland's independence are futile. These directives will not change the reality on the ground."
Somaliland's Information Minister, Ali Hassan Mohamed, also known as Ali Marehan, issued a stern warning to companies, stating that compliance with Somalia's directive would be seen as an offense against Somaliland's sovereignty. He emphasized that Somaliland would hold any company that followed the directive accountable.
The Waddani Party, a major opposition party in Somaliland, also condemned the directive, warning that it could escalate tensions and provoke conflict.