Hargeisa (Hornpost) Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, the Mayor of Hargeisa, has carved out a notable legacy through visible infrastructure improvements and a leadership style that has reshaped both the capital’s municipal services and his own political standing in Somaliland.
Elected in 2021 with an unprecedented 21,000 votes — the highest tally for any local council candidate in Hargeisa’s history and hall Somaliland — Mayor Mooge entered office on a promise of inclusive governance free from clan-driven politics. His administration is widely viewed as having delivered on much of that promise.
Upon taking charge, Hargeisa faced worn-out roads and a stagnant municipal system. Over the past four years, the mayor and the city council have pursued a broad modernization agenda that includes:
- Reconstruction and modernization of major city roads, introducing new asphalted routes and improved layouts.
- Construction of bridges, drainage channels and storm-water systems, reducing seasonal flooding.
- New multi-story district offices, easing overcrowding at the central municipal headquarters and bringing services closer to residents.
- Strengthening municipal capacity, with younger managers appointed to key departments to improve efficiency.
- Reforms in land administration and property taxation, introducing more transparent procedures in land allocation, documentation and revenue collection.
These reforms have earned praise from many residents who credit the mayor with steering Hargeisa through one of its most active phases of urban development. While some sections of the public have voiced personal criticism of his leadership approach, the broader consensus acknowledges that his tenure has delivered measurable progress.
Politically, Mayor Mooge’s influence has extended beyond municipal affairs.
During the 2024 Somaliland presidential election, he played an active role in the campaign of President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi of the Waddani Party. His presence was felt not only in Hargeisa but also in Borama and Burao, where he called for “a future built on meaningful change and development.”
As his administration continues to attract attention for its achievements and political impact, Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge remains one of the most watched public figures in Somaliland’s evolving political landscape.
Beyond major infrastructure works, Mayor Mooge’s administration has also prioritized the beautification and environmental improvement of the capital. Over the past four years, Hargeisa has seen noticeable progress in cleanliness campaigns, organized waste-management efforts, and a renewed focus on green spaces.
The municipality has expanded tree-planting initiatives across key roads and public areas, contributing to a cleaner and more welcoming urban environment. These efforts, combined with routine citywide clean-up operations, have significantly enhanced the overall appearance and livability of Hargeisa.
Hargeisa influence in the Horn of Africa:
In addition to his domestic achievements, Mayor Mooge has also strengthened Hargeisa’s regional ties by fostering closer cooperation with major Somali-speaking cities. Recently, he hosted the Mayor of Djibouti City and the Mayor of Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, in Hargeisa. The meetings focused on establishing sister-city partnerships aimed at promoting urban development, cultural exchange, and municipal collaboration.
As part of these efforts, Hargeisa and Djibouti City initiated steps toward formal twinning, while Jigjiga and Hargeisa also deepened their relationship. In a symbolic gesture reflecting this connection, a neighborhood in Jigjiga was named “Little Hargeisa,” mirroring the long-existing “Little Jigjiga” area in Hargeisa.
These regional linkages have been highlighted as a key component of Mayor Mooge’s broader vision to integrate Hargeisa more closely with neighboring capitals and to exchange best practices in city governance across the Horn of Africa.
latest Pictures of Hargeisa
Prepared:
Hornpost staff Reporter
