The Dire Need for Reunification of the Somaliland People: Addressing theDivisive Impact of the Kulmiye Government

Abstract
The unity and solidarity of Somaliland have long been foundational to its stability and
progress. However, the current administration under President Muse Bihi has fostered
division and unrest, leading to civil strife and fragmentation. This paper explores the need for
reunification among the Somaliland people, analyzing the government’s role in exacerbating
divisions and proposing steps toward restoring unity and effective governance.

Introduction
The primary priority for Somaliland is the restoration of unity and solidarity among its people.
Under the leadership of President Bihi, the Kulmiye government initially presented itself as
an inclusive administration. However, its tenure has been marked by significant challenges,
including territorial losses, military setbacks, economic mismanagement, and a decline in
public services.

The Current State
Over the course of his term and illegal expansions in office, President Muse Bihi and his
Kulmiye Party have demonstrated a disastrous failure of leadership that threatens to
undermine Somaliland’s hard-won stability. For seven years, Bihi’s regime has neglected its
fundamental responsibilities of ensuring unity, security, good governance, and public welfare.
Under Bihi’s tenure, Somaliland’s reputation and standing on the international stage have
declined precipitously. Its territorial integrity has faced unprecedented challenges, with the
loss of key border regions like Sool and Sanaag raising grave security concerns.
Domestically, Bihi has stoked divisions by favoring select clans over others in state
resources and government appointments. Communal trust and cooperation have severely
eroded as a result.

Bihi has repeatedly and blatantly violated the constitution through measures such as
postponing national elections, consolidating power around his family’s interests, and
silencing political dissent. His administration has become synonymous with cronyism,
nepotism and corruption. Valuable state assets have been brazenly looted and embezzled
with impunity.

The dire public health situation exemplifies policy failures, as once exemplary healthcare
services collapse from chronic underfunding and mismanagement. Access to clean water
and electricity – basic rights – have severely declined nationwide under Bihi’s watch. Rising
inflation and economic instability have plunged many citizens into destitution while a few of
his family capture state resources for personal gain.

After seven disastrous years defined by broken promises, diminished autonomy, rampant
graft and humanitarian neglect, it is clear President Bihi is incapable of governing Somaliland
out of its current crises. Urgent change in leadership is required to rescue the nation.

Government’s Initial Promise and Subsequent Failures
When President Behi assumed office, there was hope for comprehensive governance across
all regions and districts of Somaliland where the former administrations extended its reach
fully functioning, with the national army advancing to Tukaraq. However, the situation has
drastically deteriorated, particularly in the most parts of the Sool region and Eastern Sanaag,
where government control has completely eroded and the Somaliland national army
retreated to Oog, over 170 kilometers from the border.

Military and Territorial Setbacks
The collapse of government authority in LasAnod is emblematic of broader military failures.
Over 300 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, have been taken as prisoners of war,
underscoring the severe operational and strategic deficiencies of the current government .

Social and Economic Disintegration
The Kulmiye government’s tenure has also been marred by social and economic
disintegration. Communities that once coexisted peacefully are now embroiled in conflicts,
exacerbated by governmental mismanagement. A community army was created when the
public lost confidence in the government to protect them.
The administration’s misappropriation of national wealth, including the sale of communal
assets such as playgrounds, military camps, and health centers, has further eroded public
trust .
Economic instability has compounded the nation’s woes, with rampant inflation and a volatile
exchange rate diminishing the quality of life. Essential public services, including healthcare,
water, and electricity, have deteriorated, leaving the population in dire straits. The
government’s failure to address these issues has only deepened public discontent .

Call for Political Change
The upcoming election on November 13, 2024, represents a critical juncture for Somaliland.
It is an opportunity for the people to reclaim their power and elect a leader committed to
reunification and effective governance. Dr Abdirahman Cirro emerges as a promising
candidate, with a vision to heal divisions, restore public trust, and tackle the myriad
challenges facing the nation.

Conclusion
The need for reunification in Somaliland has never been more urgent for a long time. Over
the past six years, the divisive policies and ineffective governance of the Kulmiye
administration have seriously fractured the social, economic, and political fabric holding the
nation together. Somaliland’s progress has been undermined by deteriorating security, rising
tensions between communities, and the lack of public services and economic opportunities
plaguing its citizens.

As the people of Somaliland prepare to go to the polls in the upcoming November elections,
it is absolutely imperative that they exercise their democratic right by choosing a leader truly

committed to unifying the country once more. A leader with a vision to restore solidarity,
representation, and equal development across Somaliland’s diverse regions.
Abdirahman Cirro stands out as the candidate best positioned to meet this pressing need.
Through his campaign platform emphasizing national healing, consensus-building, and good
governance, Cirro offers a realistic path towards revitalizing Somaliland’s founding principles
of unity, stability, and shared prosperity. With his reputation as a skilled diplomat and
experienced administrator, Cirro can be trusted to repair frayed social bonds, reintegrate
border areas, strengthen the military, and deliver essential services to citizens.
By electing Abdirahman Cirro as our next president, the people of Somaliland will empower
leadership dedicated to addressing the root causes of current divisions and moving the
nation confidently into a brighter future. Cirro’s vision gives hope that Somaliland’s
communities and clans can reunite in the spirit of solidarity that has sustained them for
decades. It is a vision that will safeguard Somaliland’s sovereignty, autonomy and hard-won
independence for generations to come. The choice before voters is clear.

Abdi Halim M. Musa
E-mail: halimusa4@gmail.com
Hargeisa, Rep. Of Somaliland
July 14, 2024