HARGEISA – Somaliland’s House of Elders (Guurti) has elected Muse Haji Abdi Ducale as its new Speaker, hours after the long-serving former Speaker, Saleebaan Mohamud Adan, formally resigned from both the chairmanship and his membership.
The election took place in a calm atmosphere, with Ducale running unopposed after the other candidates withdrew their bids. Addressing the house after the vote, Ducale said he viewed his new role as a responsibility to serve the people. “I have been elected to serve the people. The two colleagues who were contesting against me both withdrew, and for that I am grateful,” Ducale said.
The new speaker paid tribute to his predecessor, Saleebaan Mohamud Adan, describing him as a leader who played a historic role in Somaliland’s institution-building and stability. Ducale pledged to continue serving the public and fulfilling the House’s constitutional duties in line with the national interest.
A 22-Year Tenure Comes to an End
The leadership change was triggered earlier on July 12 when Saleebaan Mohamud Adan, 92, announced his resignation, citing his advanced age and physical frailty. He had chaired the Guurti since 28 August 2004. In a video recording shared publicly, Adan stated: “I have become old. If the mind is still there, the muscles and the strength are missing, and my steps have slowed. I believe my memory is still intact, but I am signing my resignation”.
Adan’s resignation brought an end to one of the longest tenures in Somaliland’s political history. During his time in office, he played a significant role in resolving political disputes, strengthening dialogue between political parties, and mediating clan conflicts. His supporters have commended his efforts in safeguarding stability and preventing political tensions.
However, his leadership has also been a source of sharp criticism. Opposition parties, civil society organisations, and political analysts have frequently accused the House of Elders of failing to discharge its constitutional duties. The Guurti has also faced allegations of granting term extensions to successive governments and to the parliament itself. The House of Elders has never been re-elected since it was founded in 1993, and its 82 members, who represent traditional leaders, have continued to hold office without a fresh mandate.
A New Chapter for the Guurti
Muse Haji Abdi Ducale assumes the speakership at a time when Somaliland is pursuing institutional reforms, strengthening democratic governance and expanding its international engagement. Ducale’s election was welcomed by members of the house, who described the process as smooth and peaceful. One of the candidates who withdrew commended the peaceful nature of the election and called on the public to work with the new speaker and the House.
The election marks a notable moment in Somaliland’s political development, as the Guurti transitions to new leadership after more than two decades under Adan’s stewardship. Observers will be watching to see how the new speaker navigates the relationship between the executive, the lower house, and the House of Elders in the coming months.
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