HARGEISA — A clash erupted at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport on Monday between airport security and civilians escorting former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi as he departed for the United Arab Emirates, authorities have confirmed.
Officials stated that airport personnel were not notified in advance of the former president’s travel plans, contributing to the incident.
Somaliland’s Minister of Aviation and Airports Development, Fu’aad Ahmed Nuux, explained that Bihi arrived with an unscheduled and sizable convoy of vehicles, breaching established protocol. The minister said he later held a private discussion with Bihi to improve coordination for future trips.
“We expressed our respect and welcome for him but clarified that the airport and ministry must be informed of his travel plans in advance,” Minister Fu’aad told reporters. “We will ensure the former president is afforded the proper protocol entitled to him for future departures and returns.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Abdiasis Sheikh Ismail said the confrontation began when civilians in the former president’s escort attempted to force their way into the airport, leading security forces to intervene. He confirmed that the police chief has ordered the arrest of the soldiers who discharged their weapons during the altercation.
“Former President His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi deserves respect and dignity. Today’s incident was a clash between airport security and the civilians accompanying him,” Colonel Ismail stated.
He added that the police chief has referred the matter to a high-level committee for a comprehensive investigation.
