The President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, vows revenge after his army’s blunder in the Gooja’adde outpost near Las Anod on Friday. The military of the separatist region suffered a humiliating defeat when it lost its critical base to the SSC-Khatumo forces. The Somaliland administration initially called the blunder a ‘strategic withdrawal’, only to urge revenge on Saturday.
Hargeisa, Somaliland, SOMALIA. By Yahya:
Friday afternoon, when Somaliland’s army was withdrawing from Las Anod’s vicinity, Somaliland’s Ministry of Defence published its first reaction to the situation. What some called Somaliland’s complete disarmament, the Ministry described as “reorganization and serious preparations to confront the enemy.” Furthermore, the Somaliland government said their forces withdrew east of the Sool region in a ‘strategic’ move.
Hargeisa press conference
Muse Bihi admitted losses during a Saturday press conference in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, a day after losing Gooja’adde. “People should not be discouraged by the fighting even though our army suffered losses. We should not perceive [the defeat] negatively because the army is still intact, and we will take our revenge against the alliance that perpetrated the attack,” he vowed.
Furthermore, the President of Somaliland reassured the population, urging them not to worry about the possibility of increased tensions and conflict. According to Muse Bihi, despite difficulties, the army remains resilient, determined, and strong in unyielding patriotism. “We will effectively overcome these challenges and thwart the intentions of those who aim to undermine the security of our beloved homeland,” President Bihi asserted.
Standing united with opposition
Notably, the opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (also known as Irro), the presidential candidate of the Waddani party, stood alongside Muse Bihi at the conference. “I want to unequivocally state that the Waddani party, which I represent, stands firmly united with all national pursuits and safeguarding our cherished homeland,” Irro remarked.
His comments come as a surprise since the opposition leader used to blame the President for the current crisis. According to his earlier words, the 2022 decision to postpone the election and lengthen President Bihi’s term was behind the current situation. Somaliland’s House of Elders extended Mr Bihi’s term for two years in an unprecedented move that outraged the opposition.
