HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) — Somaliland’s main opposition party, Kulmiye, has officially nominated Mohamed Kahin Ahmed as its presidential candidate for the 2029 Somaliland presidential election, following a vote at the party’s 9th Central Committee conference held in Hargeisa.
The high-profile gathering also elected a new party leadership and approved key organizational reforms as Kulmiye begins preparations to challenge the ruling administration in the next presidential race.
Mohamed Kahin Ahmed secured 409 votes from members of the party’s Central Committee, earning the party’s presidential nomination. In his acceptance speech, Kahin pledged to prioritize Somaliland’s international recognition, democratic governance, national unity, and economic development if elected.
“Now that the party has entrusted me to become Kulmiye’s presidential candidate for the 2029 election, I will continue the struggle for international recognition, strengthen democracy, promote development, and preserve the unity of the people of Somaliland,” Kahin told delegates.
Kulmiye Selects Dr. Mohamed Mohamoud Abdillahi (Shiine) as Vice Presidential Candidate
The Central Committee also elected Dr. Mohamed Mohamoud Abdillahi (Shine) as the party’s vice presidential candidate.
Dr. Shiine, who hails from Awdal region, is widely regarded as a newcomer to frontline Somaliland politics. During his acceptance remarks, he highlighted his years living in the United States, where he said he established healthcare facilities and gained leadership experience.
He pledged to bring professional expertise, knowledge-based leadership, and institutional reforms to Kulmiye.
“I hope to contribute knowledge and leadership to both our country and our party,” Dr. Shine said.
New Kulmiye Leadership Elected
Delegates also elected a new Central Committee leadership:
- Muuse Ibrahim Yusuf (Salaf) — Chairman of the Central Committee
- Ahmed Mahmoud Jama — Deputy Chairman
- Hirsi Abdillahi Hirsi — Secretary of the Central Committee
In addition, the conference approved the expansion of the party’s Central Committee by 211 new members, a move intended to broaden representation ahead of future elections.
The meeting also delegated authority to the party’s Executive Committee to determine how to coordinate the 2027 Party Congress and the Central Committee meeting, both currently scheduled for July 2027.
Mohamed Kahin Becomes Kulmiye’s Third Presidential Nominee
Mohamed Kahin Ahmed becomes the third presidential candidate officially nominated by Kulmiye since the party’s establishment.
A veteran figure in Somaliland politics for more than four decades, Kahin is considered one of the founding members of the Somali National Movement (SNM), the liberation movement that played a central role in Somaliland’s struggle during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Throughout his political career, he has served in several senior government and party positions and is viewed by supporters as one of Somaliland’s most experienced political leaders.
Party Leaders Call for Unity
Newly elected Central Committee Chairman Muse Salaf thanked delegates for their confidence, pledging to strengthen unity within the party and improve the effectiveness of the Central Committee.
Senior Kulmiye officials also emphasized party cohesion during the conference.
First Deputy Chairman Abdiaziz Mohamed Samale said political differences would not divide the party.
“Kulmiye has never been broken by differing opinions or individual ambitions, and today is no different,” Samale said.
Deputy Chairman Suleiman Yusuf Ali Koore strongly endorsed the newly nominated presidential and vice presidential ticket.
“We will stand firmly behind the two leaders we have nominated today. Mohamed Kahin has earned his place through decades of service, and no one is more deserving at this moment,” Koore told delegates.
MP Amina Farid, the only woman in the House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland, said that despite concerns, she believes she can make things right within the Kulmiye Party.
“My blood is in Kulmiye, and if there is a dispute, I will fight within it” MP Amina Farid
Meanwhile, Abdikarim Hinnif urged Somaliland’s political associations registration committee to ensure that the party’s upcoming national congress is held on schedule, noting that the Central Committee meeting had been convened within its constitutional timeframe.
Kulmiye Launches Early Campaign for 2029 Election
The conference marks Kulmiye’s formal launch of preparations for the 2029 Somaliland presidential election, signaling the opposition party’s effort to reorganize its leadership, expand its internal structure, and present an experienced leadership team focused on governance, democratic institutions, and Somaliland’s long-standing pursuit of international recognition.
Kaah Party remarks
Kaah Party Leader Abdikarim Mohamed Haji Ali Gele, who were invited to the conference praised the 9th Central Committee Conference of the Kulmiye Party
“The Kulmiye Party is an academy from which the leaders of the country’s comrades graduated, and President Irro and Minister Khadar indirectly graduated from the Kulmiye Academy,” Kaah Party Leader Abdikarim Mohamed Haji Ali Gele
Ruling Party Waddani comments
Waddani Ruling Party Vice Chairman Abdirashid Mohamed Yusuf praised the 9th Central Committee Conference of the Kulmiye Party
“I admit that KULMIYE is a great party” Wadani Ruling Party Vice Chairman Abdirashid Mohamed Yusuf
Kulmiye Launches Early Campaign for 2029 Election
The conference marks Kulmiye’s formal launch of preparations for the 2029 Somaliland presidential election, signaling the opposition party’s effort to reorganize its leadership, expand its internal structure, and present an experienced leadership team focused on governance, democratic institutions, and Somaliland’s long-standing pursuit of international recognition.
Pictures of the meeting of Kulmiye party
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
