Hornpost
Mogadishu (Hornpost) Somalia’s Minister of Agriculture, Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye), has issued a strong critique of the political situation in Somaliland, arguing that the region is facing “a deeply difficult moment” stemming from what he described as a lack of clear leadership and national direction.
In a written statement widely circulated on social media, Minister Maareeye suggested that he might even visit Somaliland soon “to contribute to correcting the course” of the region, according to his own words.
His statement included a controversial line that drew significant attention online:
“Know this: if decisive leadership is not found urgently, I may have no choice but to come myself and steer the nation and its people in the right direction.”
Observers say the remark can be interpreted in two ways:
Either as political sarcasm or casual commentary typical of Facebook posts, or As an indication that he may be preparing to step down from his ministerial post in Mogadishu to seek political relevance in Somaliland by aligning himself with its governing structures.
Mareye’s comments come at a time when the Speaker of Somalia’s Upper House recently stated that he has “lost hope” in the possibility of Somali national unity—remarks that sparked debate across the Horn of Africa.
Four Key Criticisms Directed at Somaliland:
In his message, Minister Mareye listed four major concerns about Somaliland’s current political environment:
Poor decision-making:
He argued that Somaliland is suffering from long-standing strategic miscalculations, with no meaningful reassessment or corrective mechanisms in place.
Irresponsible political rhetoric:
According to him, some officials are using aggressive language without offering viable political alternatives—contributing to public tension rather than stability.
Clan-driven elders fueling hostility:
Mareye criticized certain community elders whom he accused of promoting clan-based animosity in Hargeisa without any state authority holding them accountable.
A narrow and inward-looking political mindset:
He accused Somaliland’s political class of being preoccupied with internal rivalries, failing to understand regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa or the broader international landscape, while continuing narratives he described as “three decades of self-deception.”
Mareye’s remarks have triggered strong reactions online, with Somaliland supporters accusing him of political meddling, while others described his comments as reflective of growing frustrations in Mogadishu toward Somaliland’s political trajectory.
Prepared by
Hornpost staff reporter
