HARGEISA – Former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has hit back at current President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) over remarks concerning the controversial relationship with Israel and the pursuit of international recognition, accusing the incumbent of misrepresenting his previous statements and questioning the secrecy surrounding Cirro’s own diplomatic engagements.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Bihi rejected claims that he had ever stated that Somaliland had received formal recognition from Guinea Conakry or Ethiopia. He accused Cirro of distorting his earlier remarks and clarified that his position has always been that Somaliland needs international recognition, but that such a step requires careful consideration.
The Kaah opposition party has also criticised President Cirro’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, warning of political consequences and accusing the government of hasty diplomacy.
Bihi’s Clarification on Recognition Claims
“I never said that we had received recognition from any government. That is a lie you told,” Bihi stated, directly addressing Cirro. He noted that when he was informed of the possibility of international recognition, he welcomed it but called for a careful assessment of all political and diplomatic dimensions.
“I said: ‘Recognition is what we need, but it has come from an unexpected place. This matter has many sides that need to be examined, so that we avoid internal conflict,'” Bihi said, quoting his own earlier remarks.
Bihi had previously warned the current administration against becoming entangled in a shifting geopolitical landscape, arguing that major Islamic powers including Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are forming new alliances in response to changing global dynamics.
Questioning Secret Diplomacy
Bihi questioned why Cirro had acknowledged that he had previously visited Israel secretly, saying that such a trip should not have been concealed from the public and the media. He also noted that during the recent official visit to Israel, the president and his delegation were separated, with some members staying in the UAE while others were in Ethiopia, raising questions about coordination and transparency.
“What is the reason for the secrecy and fragmentation?” Bihi asked.
Al-Shabaab has issued a lengthy condemnation of President Cirro, accusing him of abandoning Islam and urging residents of Somaliland to resist his administration.
The Context of Domestic Debate
Bihi’s remarks come amid an ongoing domestic debate in Somaliland over the government’s decision to pursue close ties with Israel, including the opening of an embassy in Jerusalem. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters viewing it as a diplomatic breakthrough and critics warning of potential repercussions.
Sixteen Arab and Muslim nations have strongly condemned the opening of the Somaliland embassy in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal, unacceptable, and a flagrant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions.
Way Forward
The exchange between the two former and current leaders reflects the deepening political divisions within Somaliland over the direction of the country’s foreign policy. As the Irro administration continues to pursue closer ties with Israel, domestic opposition and international condemnation are likely to persist, posing significant challenges to the government’s diplomatic strategy.
