The High Cost of Non-Visionary Leadership: Analyzing Somaliland under President Colonel Muse Bihi

By: Abdi Jama

In the intricate landscape of global politics, unrecognized states such as Somaliland occupy a precarious and unique position. Since declaring its independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has demonstrated resilience and a potential for self-governance, despite lacking international recognition. However, under the leadership of President Colonel Muse Bihi, a stark contrast in the quality of governance has emerged, profoundly affecting not only internal dynamics but also regional relationships and aspirations for international legitimacy. This essay explores the ramifications of Colonel Bihi’s leadership across economic, social, political, and international domains, highlighting the adverse impacts on Somaliland’s development and stability.

President Bihi’s tenure has been marked by significant economic stagnation, a key repercussion of non-visionary leadership. Effective leadership is crucial for attracting foreign investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and developing key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and technology. However, the administration has shown hesitancy in modernizing economic policies and underutilizing strategic assets like Berbera Port. This lack of innovation in economic governance has deterred potential foreign investors, ready to tap into emerging markets, thereby stunting economic growth.

The social fabric of Somaliland has also been deeply impacted by deficient leadership, particularly in critical sectors like education and healthcare, which depend on visionary reforms and international collaborations. The lack of progressive leadership has curtailed the advancement of these essential services and precipitated a brain drain, with talented individuals relocating abroad in search of better opportunities. This not only depletes the nation’s human capital but also derails its developmental trajectory.

The compromised integrity in regions such as Las Anod, Sool region, exemplifies another severe consequence of inadequate leadership. President Bihi’s failure to address local grievances escalated into severe conflict, with the administration’s militaristic response resulting in the deaths and displacement of thousands of civilians, widespread destruction of property, and the defeat of Somaliland’s military. This heavy-handed approach led to Las Anod’s declaration of self-rule under SSC Khatumo, deepening divisions within Somaliland and posing significant threats to the state’s stability, undermining its international standing, and heightening regional insecurity.

Furthermore, rampant corruption and mismanagement under Bihi’s leadership have significantly compromised governance. Public assets such as the Berbera Port have been exploited, with income never properly accounted for in the government budget, allegedly diverting into personal pockets. Through non-transparent deals, the president, in collusion with certain businessmen, has privatized government-owned land and strategic assets without proper oversight, deepening political impasses and damaging Somaliland’s domestic and international credibility.

Under President Colonel Muse Bihi’s leadership, Somaliland has experienced a significant erosion of human rights and freedom of speech, leading to a decline in the country’s democratic norms. The government routinely arrests and detains dissidents, opposition figures, journalists, and artists—all vocal advocates for accountability and systemic reform. This suppression stifles political discourse and signifies a regression in governance. A glaring example is the unlawful detention of Mr. Mohamed Abiib, a prominent opposition parliament member from Borame, who was taken into custody without due process upon his return from the Emirates. Such actions underscore the administration’s disregard for its own legal standards and constitution, compelling many citizens to flee and placing returnees and vocal artists under the threat of dubious legal actions—further eroding trust in the government’s commitment to uphold democratic principles and human rights.

Additionally, President Bihi has consistently labeled political opposition voices and influential clans in Somaliland as ‘internal enemies,’ effectively undermining any challenge to his regime, despite these groups often representing legitimate political discourse and interests. This tactic not only misrepresents the political landscape but also serves to consolidate his power by portraying any dissent as a direct threat to national stability. Rather than embracing constructive criticism or correcting misguided policies, his administration exploits clan divisions and exacerbates tensions to legitimize its rule. This strategy mobilizes his core supporters and consistently frames any form of dissent as a threat, thereby consolidating his power further and diverting attention away from necessary democratic reforms and the pressing issues facing the nation.

Such divisive tactics have profound social and political impacts, polarizing public opinion and weakening the momentum of opposition movements. In a society like Somaliland, where national cohesion is essential for both internal stability and the pursuit of international recognition, such policies are particularly harmful. The administration’s focus on short-term political gains through division rather than fostering long-term unity severely undermines the prospects for peace and prosperity.

To shift the political discourse towards more constructive ends, it is imperative for future leadership to adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach. This includes engaging all segments of society in meaningful dialogue, revising educational curriculums to ensure a balanced representation of history, and implementing policies that promote unity over division. Such initiatives are crucial not only for repairing the fabric of Somaliland society but also for strengthening its collective capacity to address external challenges and enhance its standing on the international stage.

Political instability and international isolation are further exacerbated by Bihi’s lack of strategic diplomatic engagement, which has hindered Somaliland’s efforts to gain international recognition and critically limited its global influence. His failure to conduct timely and transparent elections, unauthorized term extensions, and interference with the electoral commission have eroded trust among citizens in the democratic system they strive to build.

In conclusion, the leadership of President Colonel Bihi underscores the dire need for visionary governance in unrecognized states. His tenure has highlighted how non-visionary leadership can lead to economic decline, social neglect, corruption, political instability, and erosion of civil liberties. It is essential for Somaliland to embrace comprehensive governance reforms, revitalize its economy, pursue genuine reconciliation processes, and strengthen democratic institutions to rebuild trust, stimulate development, and ensure a stable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

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.