HASSAN SHEIKH DECLARES DIRECT CONFLICT WITH SOMALILAND

Introduction

Following the May 15, 2022 election of President Hassan Sheikh, a new political alliance has emerged between him, Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, and Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi. This alliance has seen President Guelleh’s daughter proposed to Sadaq John, a clan member of Hassan Sheikh, while Muse Bihi facilitated a marriage for President Guelleh’s daughter.

During the fierce fighting in Las Anod, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) organized support missions to Hargeisa under the banner of Hiil-Irir, further solidifying the ties between Hassan Sheikh’s administration and Somaliland.

Additionally, after international human rights organizations accused Somaliland’s leaders of committing massacres in Las Anod, President Hassan Sheikh swiftly appointed a Special Envoy for Somaliland negotiations and facilitated talks in Djibouti, aiming to ease the global pressure on Muse Bihi.

Main Content

Since Muse Bihi’s controversial agreement in Addis Ababa, which ceded Somali waters to Ethiopia, the political alliance between Guelleh and Hassan Sheikh has deteriorated. This agreement, seen as a threat to both Djibouti and Somalia, has prompted the leaders of both countries to take a stand against Muse Bihi and the Somaliland administration. Unprecedented anti-Somaliland activities are now observable in both Mogadishu and Djibouti.

1. Awdal Administration’s Activities in Djibouti Over the past month, the leadership of the Awdal administration has been in Djibouti, reportedly receiving support and military supplies from President Guelleh. The head of the Awdal administration, Ali Bikaar, was seen attending Djibouti’s Independence Day celebrations, warmly welcomed by the local population. This indicates a growing rift between Guelleh and Somaliland, who were long-standing political allies.
2. National Security Threat Decree in Somalia On June 27, the Somali government issued a decree identifying Somaliland’s secessionist movement as a national security threat. This unprecedented step by President Hassan Sheikh strengthens efforts against Muse Bihi and Somaliland, paving the way for the Somali government to target any support for secession.
3. Hassan’s Meeting with Somaliland Representatives and Abdi Hashi’s Absence on June 26 On the same day the Somali government declared Somaliland a national security threat, President Hassan Sheikh met with Somaliland representatives in the federal government to discuss national unity and maritime defense. Representatives were reportedly pressured to remain silent on the decree. Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, the Speaker of the Upper House, was notably absent from the June 26 Independence Day celebrations, rumored to have boycotted the event in protest.
4. Threats from Somaliland Leadership Somaliland President Muse Bihi issued strong statements accusing the Somali federal government and Djibouti of waging war against Somaliland. He accused Djibouti of supporting a rebellion in Awdal and Hassan Sheikh of planning an invasion. Faisal Ali Warabe also issued threats on Twitter, accusing Guelleh of organizing rebels against Somaliland and suggesting Somaliland host opposition groups against Djibouti.

Conclusion

Ethiopia’s direct intervention in Somali unity through Somaliland, and the impending formalization of the controversial maritime agreement, have pushed President Hassan Sheikh toward direct conflict with the Somaliland administration, with Djibouti’s support. Somali intellectuals observe that actions taken to safeguard unity and maritime defense against secessionist movements are essential for the country’s integrity and cohesion.