“To Avoid Unrest, I Will Walk”: Muse Bihi After Convoy Blocked at Hargeisa Airport
Hargeisa (Hornpost) Reports from Hargeisa indicate that security personnel at Egal International Airport fired warning shots on Monday morning as the convoy of former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi arrived for his departure to the United Arab Emirates.
Footage circulating on social media shows visible commotion at the airport entrance, where several vehicles escorting the former president were reportedly stopped by airport security. According to information obtained by Hornpost, some of the convoy cars were denied access to the restricted departure zone, forcing Muse Bihi and his delegation to walk into the terminal on foot.
The former President decided to walk in order to avoid any confrontation, and he instructed the vehicles accompanying him that he would proceed on foot by saying
“If I insist on using my vehicle, it will lead to conflict, and I do not want unrest in this country. I will walk.”
— Former President Muse Bihi Abdi, speaking at Hargeisa Airport.
Sources also indicate that the former president was denied entry into the VIP lounge, a space traditionally reserved for top state officials.
Former Presidential Secretary Condemns the Incident:
Mubarig Tani, the former secretary to President Bihi, issued a strong statement on his Facebook page, accusing the Somaliland government of deliberately obstructing the former leader’s travel.
He described the incident as an “act of intimidation” and warned that a firm response would follow.
Guled Dafac’s lawyer condemned the act clarifying according to the low of Somaliland
“Muse Bihi is a former president who is entitled to the privileges and protections granted by law, based on the office he previously held. The government is obligated to provide a clear explanation of what happened today and how such an incident occurred.”
— Lawyer Guled Dafac
Opposition Party KAAH Issues Strong Reproach:
In an official press statement, the opposition KAAH Party condemned what it termed an unprecedented act of disrespect:
“The incident that forced the former President to walk into the airport was a clear violation of protocol and dignity,” the statement read.
“Former President Muse Bihi Abdi is a leader who has served this nation and deserves consistent respect and honor.
We call on the Somaliland government to issue an apology and to launch an independent investigation into the matter.”
The statement, signed by Abdillahi Ibrahim Habbane, Deputy Chairman of KAAH, urged accountabilities for all officials involved.
Kulmiye Party Also Reacts:
The ruling party during Muse Bihi’s presidency, Kulmiye, also expressed its outrage in a separate press release:
“The use of live rounds and the obstruction of the former president’s convoy at Egal Airport is unacceptable,”
said party spokesperson Mustafe Abdi Ciise (Shiine).
Kulmiye demanded an official explanation from the Ministry of Aviation and security agencies, warning that the incident paints a “disturbing picture” of governance in Somaliland.
Government Yet to Comment:
As publication, neither the Somaliland government nor the management of Egal International Airport have issued any statement. The Ministry of Transport, airport authorities, and security agencies have all remained silent on the matter.
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Prepared:
Hornpost staff Reporter
