The chairman of Somaliland’s opposition Kaah Party, Mohamud Hashi Abdi, has launched a verbal attack on President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro’s” administration, accusing it of relying heavily on external support and donations.
Abdi made the remarks during the first Central Council meeting of the Kaah Party, which opened in Hargeisa on Monday, where he discussed Somaliland’s political and economic situation.
“A nation cannot be built through begging; it can only be built through sound leadership that serves the country,” he said.
He said his party believes Somaliland should focus on strengthening the domestic economy and increasing local production, particularly in food and agriculture, to achieve greater economic self-sufficiency.
“Countries do not collapse because of foreign powers attacking them; they collapse because of neglect within their own homes,” he said.
The Kaah leader said Somaliland needs genuine socio-economic transformation, arguing that change should go beyond simply replacing one political leader with another.
“The country does not need one wall replaced by another wall, or one person replaced by another person,” he said.
#SOMALILAND: The first meeting of the Central Council of Somaliland’s opposition Kaah Party is currently taking place in Hargeisa, with the participation of the party’s leadership and Central Council members.
The meeting comes shortly after Kaah Party criticised Somaliland’s… pic.twitter.com/yaLKyx92MC
— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) July 20, 2026
Mohamud Hashi said the Kaah Party is committed to defending the rights of Somaliland’s citizens and pursuing full international recognition, adding that the party will serve as a strong opposition force holding the government accountable.
“We are not the ruling government; we are an opposition party,” he said.
His comments come two weeks after he openly criticized President Irro’s decision to establish a diplomatic office in Jerusalem following Somaliland’s recognition by Israel.
Initially, the Kaah Party was closely affiliated with the ruling Waddani Party following the 2024 general election, which resulted in Abdirahman Irro’s victory. However, the two parties appear to have recently drifted apart.
Kaah Party Elects New Leadership
The Kaah Party’s Central Council meeting also resulted in the election of a new leadership team, including prominent figures from Somaliland’s political and civil society circles.
Abdikarim Mohamed Haji Ali was elected as the new leader of the Kaah Party.
Sucaad Carmiye, a well-known civil society figure and women’s rights advocate, was elected Deputy Chairperson for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs.
Abdullahi Said was elected Secretary-General of the party, while Deeqa Dayib Aw-Muse was elected Deputy Secretary-General.
The meeting comes at a time when Somaliland’s political parties are undergoing internal restructuring and reviewing their leadership arrangements ahead of future political developments.