The recent remarks by Kulmiye Party Chairman Muj. Mohamed Kahin regarding the two-year postponement of the party’s central committee meeting are both noteworthy and deeply concerning. While he has called for this delay to be accepted and respected, such a prolonged suspension of a core democratic process within the party raises critical questions about leadership effectiveness and internal discipline. In a political environment where responsiveness, participation, and accountability are vital.
Muj. Mahamed Kahin has undoubtedly dedicated years of service and made personal sacrifices in support of his long-time ally, former President Muj. Muse Bihi, over the past 14 years. However, as leadership transitions unfold, it is imperative that he now prioritize the party’s collective interests and the broader national good over personal loyalties. At the same time, new members of the party must exercise restraint and avoid using media platforms to publicly criticize the chairman. Such internal disputes aired in public only tarnish the party’s image and damage its credibility.
It is important to remember that Kulmiye has long been associated with former President Muj. Ahmed Mahamud Silanyo, who was not only instrumental in its founding but also played a crucial role in its rise to power. That legacy should be safeguarded, not squandered through infighting and disarray. Internal conflicts must be resolved quietly and professionally, without becoming fodder for public consumption or social media speculation.
Today, signs of internal disintegration within the Kulmiye party are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Divisions among senior leaders are widening, trust is eroding, and the party’s once-strong organizational structure appears to be unraveling. These challenges come at a time when Somaliland urgently needs political unity to protect its sovereignty and democratic progress. While two years may seem a short time in politics, it is a critical window for Kulmiye to reflect, reform, and restore public confidence—especially in the aftermath of its performance in the last presidential election.
Furthermore, former President Muj. Muse Bihi must now assume the role of a neutral, paternal figure within the party. His guidance could be instrumental in healing divisions and restoring unity. However, reports from the public (warka suuqa) suggest that he may be indirectly contributing to the fragmentation by favoring certain factions and undermining the current leadership. If true, this behavior only accelerates the party’s decline. What is needed from him now is statesmanship—not rivalry.
Once viewed as a symbol of stability and reform, the Kulmiye party now faces an identity crisis. Power struggles, lack of transparency, and a growing disconnect with the public have cast a shadow over its legacy. If left unaddressed, these issues could lead to the party’s collapse, echoing the fate of the once-dominant Udub party, which disintegrated under the weight of its own contradictions. Such a collapse would not only be a setback for Kulmiye but a serious blow to Somaliland’s democratic institutions and political maturity.
To avoid that outcome, Kulmiye must undertake a serious internal reckoning. It must confront its contradictions, rebuild its foundations, and recommit to principles of accountability, unity, and participatory governance. Only then can it regain its standing as a credible political force capable of serving the people of Somaliland in these critical times.
By: Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad, Political Analyst & Researcher – Horn of Africa Geopolitics
