The Ga’an Libaah Movement, a rebel group associated with the Garhajis subclan, increases territorial gains. Moreover, an ongoing public awareness campaign by local religious leaders in Go’da-Weyn exemplifies the group’s growing influence.
Go’Da-Weyn, Togdheer region, Somaliland, SOMALIA. By Abdifatah:
Local religious leaders are prominent voices within the movement. They have advocated for the cause with unwavering determination. During a recent gathering in Go’da-Weyn, one such leader proclaimed, “The movement will only cease its operation with the death or resignation of President Muse Bihi of Somaliland. If he resigns, the group will descend from the Ga’an Libaah mountain,” outlining the group’s goals and what would it take to end the rebellion.
Moreover, the religious man expressed support for Abdirahman Irro, the leader of the opposition in Somaliland. “We firmly stand with the opposition leader, Abdirahman Irro, who has the Garhajis army on his side. We are with him.”
This proclamation comes on the heels of a recent announcement by the Ministry of Interior of the self-declared state of Somaliland. It stated that President Muse Bihi had endorsed the mediation committee’s recommendations regarding offering an unconditional amnesty to all members of the Ga’an Libaah Movement who would choose to disassociate from the rebellion. However, it appears that the movement’s leadership firmly rejected this offer.
Territorial gains
The movement’s growing influence is further underscored by the significant territorial gains they have achieved in recent weeks. Daljir Media identified the following areas, mainly smaller villages, reportedly under Ga’an Libaah’s control: Go’da-Weyn, Libi Sagaalo, Haji Salah (Xaaji Saalax), Duruqsi, Hahi (Xaaxi), Biyo Fadhiisinka, Raydab Khaatumo, Go’da Yar, Warabeye (Waraabeeye), Dabagorayaale, Salahley (Sallaxley), Qalo’ato (Qaloocato), and other small settlements.
These territorial gains have brought the Ga’an Libaah Movement to the forefront of the political landscape in Somaliland and compelled the Hargeisa government to pay attention to it. President Muse Bihi’s resignation remains a central issue as the movement continues to exert influence. The calls for change from the Garhajis subclan and their supporters indicate that the situation is far from resolved. The coming days will likely see further escalation.
