Hornpost
Hargeisa, (Hornpost) — Somaliland’s opposition party, Kulmiye, has raised concerns over what it describes as “serious ambiguity” surrounding an alleged agreement to hand over the management of Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport to a foreign company.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the opposition party said it has been monitoring “credible reports” indicating that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development is finalizing a deal with International Maharat Investment, though the government has yet to release any official details.
According to Kulmiye, developments within the past 48 hours — including reported administrative changes and staff reshuffles at the airport — suggest “a quiet implementation of an undisclosed agreement.”
The party stressed that while Somaliland needs investment to improve its infrastructure, any government deal must comply with national laws and safeguard the country’s interests.
Kulmiye referenced Article 12(5) of the Somaliland Constitution, which requires the government to manage national assets in accordance with the law, and Article 53(3), which mandates that international political, financial and security agreements be submitted to the House of Representatives prior to implementation.
Egal International Airport — described by Kulmiye as a symbol of statehood and a critical economic lifeline — “cannot be subjected to rushed or opaque decision-making driven by narrow interests,” the statement said.
The opposition party stressed that any investment agreement must:
Adhere to the Constitution of Somaliland.
Be presented to the House of Representatives for approval.
Be transparently disclosed to the public.
Kulmiye also voiced concern for the several hundred airport staff whose future remains unclear amid the reported changes.
In conclusion, the opposition urged the government to reconsider handing over Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport to private or foreign entities, particularly given that the Berbera International Airport was previously leased out.
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The press release was signed by Mustafe Abdi Ciise (Shiine), Spokesperson of the KULMIYE Party.
Prepared:
Hornpost staff Reporter
