HARGEISA — In a significant political development, Somaliland’s KAAH Party has formally accepted the resignations of four senior officials, including two deputy chairmen and two central committee members, effective July 11, 2026.
The move comes after the departing leaders publicly announced their withdrawal from the party, citing personal decisions to step away from their roles and discontinue their membership.
Resigning Officials
The officials whose resignations have been accepted include:
· Hon. Mohamed Jamaac Libaan – Deputy Chairman
· Hon. Mohamed Hassan Said – Deputy Chairman
· Hon. Jamaal Ali Aadan (Jaah) – Central Committee Member
· Hon. Cabdirashiid Cabdilaahi Muuse (Cagoweyne) – Central Committee Member
The acceptance also extends to all Executive Committee members, senior officials, and various officeholders who tendered their resignations.
Party Response
In a formal statement, the KAAH Party Chairman confirmed the acceptance of the resignations, expressing gratitude for the contributions of the departing leaders. The party acknowledged their “lasting legacy and enduring efforts” in building the party and guiding it toward political maturity.
While extending well-wishes for their future endeavors, the party leadership was keen to note that the departures were entirely voluntary. “The decision to leave the party did not come from our side,” the statement read, adding that the resigning members made a “conscious and valuable choice” to part ways with the party.
Political Context
The resignations mark a notable shift within KAAH, one of Somaliland’s key political associations, as the region continues to navigate evolving political dynamics ahead of future electoral cycles.
Related: This development comes amid broader political realignments in Somaliland, with parties jockeying for position ahead of upcoming polls.
HARGEISA – The Republic of Somaliland’s Ministry of Finance has postponed the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) until August 1, 2026, following extensive consultations with business leaders over concerns about the tax’s implementation and technical readiness.
The decision came after a marathon meeting between finance officials and representatives of the Somaliland business community. The GST had been scheduled to take effect on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Minister of Finance Abdullahi Hassan said the delay was prompted by the spread of inaccurate information in the market that contradicted the agreement previously reached between the government and business representatives.
“After reviewing the recommendations presented by the business committee, we realized that the information circulating in the market did not reflect what had been agreed upon. This made it necessary to allow additional time to address these concerns and finalize outstanding technical work,” Hassan told journalists in Hargeisa.
The minister commended the business community for its role in Somaliland’s development, emphasizing that traders were not adversaries of government policy but partners in nation-building.
“Businesspeople are among those who have helped build this country. They are not opposed to the government or national development—they are contributors to it. We have listened to the concerns of both the public and the business community, and we have agreed to postpone the GST implementation until August 1, 2026, to resolve all technical issues,” he added.
Jamal Aideed, Chairman of the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that business leaders had formally requested the postponement to allow for more preparation time.
Aideed noted that confusion had arisen from incorrect information in the marketplace and affirmed that the tax would now be introduced on August 1, 2026.
“Following detailed discussions and analysis, both sides reached a common understanding. The GST sales tax proposal has been significantly revised from its original version, and we have agreed on the adjusted framework,” Aideed said.
“We requested the government to postpone the GST implementation, which was originally set for July 11, and the new date is now August 1.”
Both the government and business representatives stated that the postponement period would be used to complete technical preparations, enhance public communication, and ensure a smoother and more effective introduction of the GST system.
Nairobi – A high-level delegation comprising officials from the Supreme Court of the Republic of Somaliland, judicial institutions, and civil society organizations has traveled to Kenya for a working visit and knowledge-sharing mission. During their stay, the delegation has held meetings with Kenyan judicial bodies, the Law Society of Kenya, UNDP Kenya, and various civil society organizations.
The discussions focused on strengthening access to justice and the rule of law. Key areas of deliberation included Kenya’s judicial system, dispute resolution mechanisms, Small Claims Courts, Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), the role of legal practitioners, legislative processes, and the provision of paralegal services.
As part of the visit, the delegation also toured the Kenya School of Law, where they were briefed on the institution’s operations and its pivotal role in training legal professionals. School officials explained that anyone seeking to work within the judiciary or in legal professions requiring professional certification must graduate from the Kenya School of Law to be duly qualified for such roles.
This visit forms part of ongoing efforts to exchange expertise and learn best practices aimed at advancing judicial reforms and reinforcing the rule of law in the Republic of Somaliland.
HARGEISA – The Speaker of Somaliland’s House of Elders (Guurti), Salebaan Mahmouud Adan, is expected to formally announce his resignation on Sunday, bringing an end to more than two decades of leadership at the helm of the upper chamber.
According to a spokesperson for the House, the 92-year-old Speaker has made a definitive decision and has already notified President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) of his intention to step down from both the speakership and his membership in the Guurti.
Multiple attempts by close associates and political figures to persuade him to reverse or delay his decision have proven unsuccessful, sources close to the Speaker confirm. A special session of the House is expected to be convened, during which Saleebaan will officially declare his resignation.
Saleebaan, who has presided over the Guurti since 2004, is widely recognized as one of the longest-serving political figures in Somaliland’s history. Those in his inner circle have attributed his departure primarily to his advanced age and a desire to relieve himself of the demanding responsibilities he has carried for over two decades.
Throughout his tenure, Salebaan has been credited with playing a key role in mediating political disputes and fostering inter-party dialogue. Supporters highlight his contributions to maintaining relative stability and defusing recurring political tensions that have periodically threatened the region’s fragile peace.
However, his leadership has not been without controversy. The House of Elders, under his stewardship, has faced persistent criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and political analysts. Detractors have frequently pointed to controversial term extensions granted to successive governments and legislative bodies, as well as accusations that the Guurti has fallen short of its constitutional mandate to act as a guarantor of national reconciliation and social cohesion.
Should the resignation proceed as expected, it will mark the end of an era for one of Somaliland’s most enduring institutional leaderships. The Guurti will then be required to initiate the constitutional process for electing a new Speaker—a transition that is likely to draw significant scrutiny, given the House’s influential role in the country’s political landscape and its traditional authority in conflict resolution.
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Central Headquarters of the ruling WADDANI Party was today the venue for a high-level consultative meeting aimed at reinforcing synergy between the party and the government. The session brought together senior cabinet members and the party’s newly constituted sectoral committees to enhance collaborative governance and accelerate public service delivery.
The meeting was chaired by the WADDANI Party Chairman, Mr. Hirsi Ali H. Hassan. In attendance were the Ministers of Health Development, Labour and Social Affairs, alongside the Deputy Minister of Education and Science. They were joined by the party’s recently appointed committees for the health, labour, social affairs, and education portfolios—committees which the Chairman had formally inaugurated in the recent past.
Designed as both an introductory and coordination forum, the meeting sought to establish a robust working relationship between the ministers and their respective committees. The newly formed bodies are expected to serve as strategic partners, providing technical and advisory support to the ministries in the execution of their expansive national mandates.
Chairman Hirsi Ali H. Hassan underscored the importance of seamless collaboration, expressing his optimism that the committees would play an instrumental role in advancing the ministries’ policy objectives and developmental goals. He called for a united approach, emphasizing that teamwork and shared vision are essential to delivering meaningful outcomes for the people of Somaliland.
“This gathering reflects our commitment to bridging institutional efforts,” the Chairman noted. “I look forward to a productive partnership in which these committees contribute decisively to the successes of their respective ministries.”
The discussions also centered on deepening the alignment between the WADDANI Party’s political vision and the government’s executive agenda. Participants reaffirmed their shared resolve to prioritize citizens’ welfare, particularly in the critical sectors of health, education, and social protection.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge to maintain open channels of communication and to work in close coordination, ensuring that government services are both responsive and impactful for all communities across the Republic of Somaliland.
Hargeisa – As the political landscape in Somaliland shifts ahead of Sunday’s expected resignation of current Guurti (Upper House) Speaker Saleebaan, legislator Musa Haji Abdi Ducaale is being widely cited as the clearest and most viable candidate to succeed him.
According to informed sources, Ducaale has consolidated formidable backing from his home constituency, where clan elders, community leaders, and local representatives have united in their support for his bid. This groundswell of regional endorsement is said to have been instrumental in swaying President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” to acquiesce to the candidacy, effectively agreeing that the speakership should remain within Ducaale’s native region as a matter of political consensus and regional representation.
Political observers note that Ducaale’s rise reflects a broader understanding within Somaliland’s power-sharing framework—where clan balance and regional equity often guide senior appointments. His long-standing legislative experience and reputation for measured diplomacy have further bolstered his appeal across party lines.
The impending vacancy follows Speaker Saleebaan’s decision to step down, a move that has triggered intense behind-the-scenes consultations among ruling party officials, opposition figures, and traditional elders. While other names have been floated, Ducaale’s camp projects quiet confidence, pointing to the president’s apparent acceptance as a decisive signal that the transition will proceed smoothly.
If confirmed, Ducaale would assume leadership of the Guurti at a critical juncture, as Somaliland continues to navigate domestic governance challenges and its longstanding pursuit of international recognition. His first tasks would likely include steering legislative oversight on national budget matters and mediating between the executive and lower house on contentious policy issues.
Official announcements regarding the succession are expected in the coming days, with all eyes on the presidential palace and the parliamentary caucus as they finalize the necessary procedural steps.
Mogadishu, July 10, 2026 – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today presided over the graduation and commissioning ceremony for a cohort of officers and deputy officers who have successfully completed a one-year intensive military training program at the TURKSOM Training Academy.
During the ceremony, President Mohamud reviewed a combined military parade featuring the graduating officers, their deputies, and the commanding cadres who oversaw their training. In his address, he commended the graduates for their discipline, resilience, and professionalism throughout the program, describing them as the future leaders of the Somali National Army. He called upon them to serve their nation with unwavering integrity, competence, and a steadfast sense of patriotic duty.
The President reaffirmed that the Federal Government of Somalia remains firmly committed to the reconstruction, modernization, and capacity-building of the national armed forces. He stressed that these efforts are essential to ensuring the army possesses the operational capability and technical expertise required to safeguard national security, protect the country’s territorial integrity, and decisively counter extremist elements.
President Hassan Sheikh also extended his profound appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye for its continued and steadfast support in strengthening Somali military institutions. He noted that Türkiye’s contribution has been instrumental in developing a professional, skilled, and effective national army capable of meeting Somalia’s sovereign defense obligations.
The study argues that the fundamental difference lies in the sequencing of peacebuilding and state-building. According to the research, Somaliland first pursued locally led reconciliation through traditional elders, clan conferences, and community-based political settlements before constructing formal state institutions. This bottom-up approach fostered trust, legitimacy, and relatively stable democratic governance.
In contrast, Somalia’s post-1991 reconstruction
relied heavily on externally driven state-building efforts while unresolved political conflicts and elite rivalries persisted. The study contends that this approach contributed to institutional fragility, recurring instability, and weak governance despite decades of international support.
Drawing on collective action theory and the work of Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom and political economist William D. Ferguson, the research concludes that sustainable governance depends on local ownership, inclusive political settlements, and institutions built upon social consensus rather than externally imposed frameworks.
The study concludes that lasting peace should precede state-building, arguing that Somaliland’s experience demonstrates how grassroots reconciliation and locally negotiated governance can provide a stronger foundation for long-term stability than externally designed political institutions. The findings contribute to broader debates on post-conflict reconstruction and offer lessons for fragile states around the world.
Read the full study:Peacebuilding vs. State-Building: Collective Action and Divergent Paths in Somaliland and Somalia
About the Author Dr. Jamal Ali Hussein is a scholar, Somaliland political leader, and former senior international banking executive.
Nairobi – The Executive Director of the Somaliland Civil Service Institute (CSI), Mr. Mahmoud Said Adan, accompanied by the Institute’s Director of Planning, Mr. Abdirahman Haybe, today attended the centenary commemoration of the Kenyan School of Government (KSG) held in Nairobi. The historic event celebrated 100 years of the KSG’s distinguished service in public sector capacity development.
On this occasion, Director Adan delivered a formal address in which he elaborated on the mandate of the Civil Service Institute of Somaliland and the progressive advancements it has achieved since its establishment. He highlighted that the CSI is presently observing its 21st year of operation, during which it has served nearly 50,000 civil servants drawn from various governmental institutions across Somaliland.
The Director underscored that the continuous development of knowledge and professional competencies among public servants remains the cornerstone of effective governance and the enhancement of public service delivery. He further extended his appreciation to the Kenyan School of Government for the invitation and reaffirmed the value of the enduring collaborative relationship between the two institutions.
In his address, Director Mahmoud Said Adan presented five strategic pillars essential for the advancement of public administration and service delivery throughout African governments. These pillars encompass the strengthening of integrity and accountability, the facilitation of inclusive access to public services, the sustainability and refinement of civil service training programmes, the digitalization and modernization of public sector operations, and the promotion of applied research and inter-institutional cooperation to devise durable solutions to prevailing socio-economic challenges.
Additionally, he reiterated the imperative of combating corruption, safeguarding national assets, and ensuring that civil servants operate with impartiality and remain insulated from political influence, thereby preserving the neutrality and credibility of public service institutions.
MP Abdikarim Mohamed Raises Concerns Over New Tax Collection System
In a strongly worded statement, Member of Parliament Abdikarim Mohamed has raised serious concerns about the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Somaliland, alleging that the process is being driven by private interests rather than sound fiscal policy.
Allegations of Private Sector Influence
According to the lawmaker, the GST initiative is being backed by a group of ministers who stand to personally benefit from commission-based arrangements with private companies contracted to collect the tax. The MP claims these officials are either misunderstanding or deliberately misinterpreting existing tax laws to push forward a system that primarily serves their own financial interests.
The MP further alleges that the presidential office has already issued directives to the Ministry of Finance to proceed with this arrangement, bypassing proper legislative procedures.
Distinction Between Tax Types
Mohamed emphasizes a crucial distinction that he believes the proponents of the new system have failed to understand. He points out that the existing 5% sales tax is currently collected at customs entry points across the country. This tax, established under the Revenue Law, has been implemented at borders to avoid the administrative challenges of collecting it domestically.
The GST, however, is fundamentally different. According to the MP, GST is specifically designed as a tax on services—applying to telecommunications, electricity companies, hotels, and similar service providers. He argues that applying GST to goods and services already covered by the customs sales tax would constitute double taxation and a fundamental misunderstanding of the tax code.
Concerns About Tax Collection Infrastructure
Perhaps most significantly, Mohamed raises serious questions about the government’s capacity to collect this tax independently. He states that the administration lacks the necessary equipment and infrastructure to implement GST collection through its own agencies, which is precisely why private companies are being brought in.
“This is a pre-prepared project that has not gone through proper legislative channels,” the MP declared, arguing that the rushed implementation bypasses the transparency and debate required for such significant fiscal changes.
Economic Impact Warnings
The lawmaker warns that the new tax regime would place a heavy burden on Somaliland’s economy and business community. He expressed particular concern about the impact on vulnerable populations, suggesting that the additional tax burden would contribute to inflation and make basic goods more expensive for ordinary citizens already struggling with economic hardship.
“The tax burden will significantly impact the market and the business community of Somaliland, and will contribute to market inflation that will affect poor people whose lives are already difficult,” Mohamed stated.
Historical Context of Tax Collection
The MP provided historical context, explaining that when the 5% sales tax was first legislated, the government deliberately chose to collect it at customs points because the country was not ready for domestic collection. Similarly, he noted that other taxes like the local government tax are also collected at customs—a system designed to prevent municipalities from competing over tax collection and to ensure smooth movement of goods across districts.
Call for Legislative Process
Mohamed insists that any changes to the tax system must follow proper legislative procedures, including public consultation and parliamentary debate. He emphasized that tax policy modifications should involve discussions with the business community and consider the broader economic situation of the country.
Direct Appeal to the President
In a direct appeal to President Muse Bihi Abdi, the MP urged him to prioritize the welfare of the population over projects driven by ministerial self-interest. He reminded the President of his responsibility as the elected leader of Somaliland and warned that any project causing hardship to citizens would ultimately be his responsibility.
“Mr. President, you cannot please everyone,” Mohamed stated. “Filter out these profit-seeking projects that are a burden to society, prioritize the protection of the people and their livelihoods, and restrain your profit-seeking ministers who treat the government as a project to be exploited.”
Conclusion
The controversy highlights growing tensions between different branches of government over fiscal policy and raises questions about the transparency and economic wisdom of the proposed GST implementation. As Somaliland continues to develop its tax infrastructure, the debate over how best to balance revenue generation with economic growth and social welfare appears far from settled.
This article is based on statements made by MP Abdikarim Mohamed regarding the proposed GST implementation in Somaliland. The government has not yet issued an official response to these allegations.
