Abdikarim Moge: The People’s Mayor Who Triumphed Over Adversity in Somaliland’s Historic Election

The 13th of November 2024 marked a transformative moment for Somaliland, defined not only by the victory of opposition leader Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) in the presidential election but also by the liberation of Hargeisa’s trailblazing mayor, Abdikarim Ahmed Moge, from the stifling constraints of the previous administration. Under the oppressive rule of Colonel Muse Bihi Abdi and his Kulmiye party, Moge faced relentless challenges yet emerged as a symbol of resilience and integrity.
With President Muse Bihi and his party officially leaving office on 12th December, Mayor Moge—a proud member of the opposition Waddani party—stands as a beacon of effective leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Hargeisa. Widely celebrated as one of the most impactful mayors in the city’s history, Moge’s remarkable journey reflects his determination to overcome adversity and his dedication to transforming Somaliland’s capital for the better.
A Mayor Under Siege
From the very beginning of his tenure, Abdikarim Ahmed Moge faced relentless opposition from the former administration, which actively sought to undermine his authority and tarnish his accomplishments. As an opposition mayor, he was systematically denied the critical support traditionally afforded to his office. The objective was clear: to force Moge to abandon his principles and align himself with the ruling Kulmiye party. Yet, Moge remained resolute, steadfastly refusing to compromise his values or his allegiance to the Waddani party.
The extent of this lack of support from Muse Bihi’s administration was evident right up until the final days of his presidency. Even during the handover ceremony for the new president—a moment of profound national importance—Bihi pointedly excluded Mayor Moge, despite his pivotal role as a senior member of the triumphant Waddani party. Moreover, on multiple occasions, Muse Bihi attempted to oust Moge from office by leveraging his affiliates in the local council and other government resources. These efforts, however, failed spectacularly, as the people of Hargeisa—who viewed Moge as their best choice—rose in protest. Residents threatened widespread demonstrations and even vowed to stop paying taxes if Moge were removed. This unwavering public support highlighted Moge’s deep connection to the people and underscored his resilience against political sabotage.
Defying Corruption and Championing Transparency
Beyond the relentless political pressures, Abdikarim Ahmed Moge’s unwavering commitment to transparency further strained his relationship with the ruling elite. Refusing to channel tax revenues into the hands of corrupt officials, as had been customary under previous administrations, Moge instead pledged to manage public funds with integrity, directing them toward tangible development projects that directly benefited the people of Hargeisa.
Under his leadership, schools, roads, Local government infrastructure and hospitals began to materialize across the city, fueled by the trust and support he inspired among residents. Despite persistent efforts by the central government to sabotage his initiatives, Moge successfully united the people of Hargeisa around a shared vision of accountability and progress, demonstrating the transformative power of honest governance.
The Triumph of the People’s Champion
The presidential election marked a decisive turning point for Abdikarim Ahmed Moge. Despite relentless pressure, he remained unwavering in his support for his party’s candidate, Dr. Abdirahman Irro, playing a pivotal role in rallying public support. Irro’s resounding victory not only represented a historic political shift for Somaliland but also freed Moge from the constraints of the Muse Bihi administration.
With the opposition now in power, Moge has the freedom to fully realize his transformative vision for Hargeisa. His exemplary track record of managing public funds with integrity and delivering transparent governance has earned him widespread admiration and positioned him as a beacon of hope for the city’s future. Liberated from the burden of political interference, Moge is now poised to elevate Hargeisa into a leading capital of the Horn of Africa, embodying progress, resilience, and accountability.
Moge’s leadership extends beyond the boundaries of Hargeisa, as he has demonstrated a higher vision for national politics in Somaliland. His accomplishments and integrity have set a standard that other mayors across the country aspire to emulate, making him not only a role model for local governance but also a potential future leader in the national political arena.
A Legacy of Progress and Integrity
Under the prior leadership, the city’s resources were routinely mismanaged, enriching a select few while residents endured significant hardships. In sharp contrast, Moge’s tenure has demonstrated the transformative potential of governance built on integrity and a commitment to public service, offering the people of Hargeisa a tangible blueprint for sustainable progress and accountability.
The Dawn of a New Era
As Hargeisa looks ahead, a wave of optimism accompanies Abdikarim Ahmed Moge’s renewed mandate. The residents are eager to see him build on the progress he has already made, continuing his transformative work for the betterment of the city. With the full support of a cooperative central government, Moge is uniquely positioned to usher Hargeisa into a new era of growth and prosperity.
Moge’s journey from a besieged opposition mayor to a celebrated leader is a testament to his resilience, integrity, and the unwavering support of the people. As Hargeisa embraces this new chapter in its political history, Moge’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope and a model for meaningful progress. The people of Hargeisa can take pride in their mayor, who has shown that even in the face of adversity, the collective will of the people and the power of principled governance can triumph.

Abdi Jama is an expert in development, humanitarian efforts, and political systems in East Africa, offering deep insights into the region’s key challenges. Contact: abdi.jama@gmail.com.