Hargeisa (SLpost) — Somaliland politician Fihima Yusuf Quuje has responded strongly to recent remarks by Garad Abdillahi Garad Suleiman, intensifying a public dispute over her renewed engagement in Somaliland politics after previously supporting Somali unity.
In a statement that was later removed from her Facebook page, Fihiima accused Garaad Abdillahi of being the only traditional leader who accepted blood compensation from President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) in connection with the death of his brother during clashes between Somaliland forces and Dhulbahante militia in the Sanaag region.
“You are the only traditional leader who accepted blood compensation for your brother’s killing, which President Abdirahman Cirro gave you through Jamaal (the former Minister of Communications), while 1,000 of our people had lost their lives,” Fihima stated.
Fihima Quuje expressed confidence that the Garad would eventually join her in backing Somaliland and she says; “I swear to God, you too will come”.
Her remarks came in response to comments by Garad Abdillahi, who had downplayed the political significance of Fihiima’s recent return to Hargeisa, arguing that her decision did not reflect a wider change in political views among the Dhulbahante community.
Fihima recently announced that she had abandoned her previous support for the idea of a “Greater Somalia” and had chosen instead to work with the people and institutions of Somaliland, describing the move as a personal political decision.
Reacting to her announcement, Garad Abdillahi said that the actions of one individual should not be interpreted as representing the position of the broader community.
“If you see one person moving around there, do not assume the rest of us will follow. You yourselves are in Mogadishu,” Garad Abdillahi said in remarks directed toward Somaliland government.
The exchange reflects the continuing political divisions surrounding Somaliland’s status and the differing perspectives within the Dhulbahante community over engagement with Somaliland’s government and institutions.
Fihima’s decision to publicly support Somaliland has sparked debate, with her supporters portraying it as an individual political choice based on conviction, while critics argue that it does not represent the wider views of the community.
The latest dispute highlights the sensitive political dynamics surrounding Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition and the evolving alliances and positions in the eastern regions of Somaliland.
Reporting by Somalilandpost News
