HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) The chairman of Somaliland’s opposition KAAH Political Party, Mahmoud Hashi Abdi, has launched a sharp criticism against President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, accusing him of abandoning constitutional governance, misusing state authority, and undermining national principles following controversial decisions surrounding Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement with Jerusalem.
Speaking during a press conference held at the KAAH party headquarters in Hargeisa, Hargeisa, Mahmoud Hashi said the administration under President Irro had strayed from constitutional obligations and warned that state institutions were being used for partisan political interests rather than serving the broader public.
“Mr. President, you have openly abandoned adherence to the constitution and are misusing the powers entrusted to the state,” Mahmoud Hashi declared during the address, in one of the strongest public rebukes directed at the current administration.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Constitutional and Religious Commitments
In his remarks, Mahmoud Hashi accused President Cirro’s government of neglecting Somaliland’s constitutional framework while disregarding Islamic principles, which he described as central to the nation’s governance and identity.
He argued that the administration’s recent actions reflected what he characterized as political posturing rather than lawful governance.
“It is deeply concerning that the leadership has moved away from protecting both the constitution and the religious values that form the foundation of this nation,” he said.
The KAAH chairman further alleged that the government’s recent decisions were not grounded in legal procedure and warned that continued disregard for constitutional limits could undermine public trust in national institutions.
Criticism Over State Media and Governance Performance
Mahmoud Hashi also accused the government of turning state-run media outlets into partisan platforms serving the ruling Waddani Party, saying public institutions must remain neutral and accountable to all citizens.
“We hope national television and state media are not reduced to tools used solely to advance partisan political narratives. That is entirely unacceptable,” he said.
The opposition leader claimed the current administration was failing to fulfill promises made to Somaliland citizens and argued that governance should prioritize accountability and transparency rather than political messaging.
KAAH Opposes Somaliland’s Jerusalem Embassy Move
A major focus of Mahmoud Hashi’s criticism centered on Somaliland’s reported diplomatic move to establish an embassy in Jerusalem; a decision he said contradicts constitutional principles and lacks proper national consultation.
The KAAH party stated it opposes the embassy initiative, arguing that such a move is not authorized under Somaliland’s constitutional framework.
However, Mahmoud Hashi clarified that the party welcomes Somaliland’s reported diplomatic recognition from Israel, distinguishing recognition efforts from what he described as unconstitutional foreign policy decisions.
“If Somaliland is pursuing recognition from Israel, we welcome international recognition efforts. But opening an embassy in Jerusalem without constitutional backing is a separate matter entirely and one we strongly oppose,” he said.
Defense of Former President Muse Bihi
During the press conference, Mahmoud Hashi also defended former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi amid recent political criticism, arguing that previous administrations handled sensitive diplomatic and religious matters with greater caution and consultation.
He said earlier leaders had consistently respected national scholars and broader political consensus before making decisions of strategic national importance.
“Previous leaders understood the sensitivity of issues such as Jerusalem and never ignored public consultation or national consensus on matters affecting Somaliland’s future,” he stated.
Warning Against Unilateral Executive Decisions
Closing his address, the KAAH chairman warned against what he described as unilateral executive decision-making on issues of national significance.
He argued Somaliland’s democratic institutions should retain collective oversight over major foreign policy and governance decisions.
“This country cannot be governed through secretive executive decisions on matters of vital national interest. Somaliland’s future must be protected through transparency, consultation, and respect for democratic institutions,” Mahmoud Hashi said.
The remarks add to growing political tensions in Somaliland as opposition parties intensify criticism of President Irro’s administration over governance, constitutional compliance, and the country’s evolving foreign policy strategy.
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Prepared By
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
