Hargeisa council elects new mayor after removing Mooge
Speaking after the vote, Wiwaa said the meeting had concluded calmly and vowed to focus on improving services in North Western State of Somalia’s capital.
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Hargeisa (AX) — Hargeisa’s city council installed Abdirisaq Mohamed Farah Wiwaa as the city’s new mayor on Tuesday, just hours after members moved to oust former Mayor Abdikarin Ahmed Mooge and his deputy from office.
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In the same extraordinary session at Hargeisa City Hall, councilors also chose Aden Jamaac Haddi Mideeye to serve as deputy mayor.
Speaking after the vote, Wiwaa said the meeting had concluded calmly and vowed to focus on improving services in North Western State of Somalia’s capital.
“Thank God, the extraordinary session ended peacefully and respectfully for us. I promise to work for you and take the task further, God willing,” Wiwaa said.
He urged council members to back the new leadership, exchange ideas and cooperate on efforts to advance Hargeisa’s development.
The leadership shift came after the council earlier on Tuesday voted to remove Mooge and Deputy Mayor Khadar Ahmed Omar. Members said the motion, introduced a day earlier, stemmed from accusations that the pair had neglected their responsibilities, along with other administrative issues.
According to North Western State of Somalia state media, the removal session was presided over by the governor of the Maroodi Jeex region and was attended by regional council members and the secretary of Hargeisa municipality.
The change in city leadership comes at a crucial time for Hargeisa, North Western State of Somalia’s largest city and political hub, where the municipal administration is responsible for essential public services, infrastructure and urban development.
