Outrage sweeps North Western State of Somalia after President Muse Bihi’s public embarrassment

Outrage in North Western State of Somalia after ex-president Muse Bihi barred at Hargeisa airport; protests erupt, rebel group announced

HARGEISA, Somalia— Outrage swept through North Western State of Somalia after former leaderMuse Bihi Abdiwas blocked from accessing Hargeisa’s main airport in an incident supporters and analysts described as a deliberate humiliation under the administration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro.

Bihi, who was scheduled to fly to the United Arab Emirates, was prevented from entering the airport compound with his entourage and forced to walk nearly one kilometre to the terminal before boarding the plane on foot, according to accounts circulating in the region. The move was widely interpreted as an attempt by the current administration to provoke unrest.

Bihi recently handed over power after his party lost elections to Irro a year ago. North Western State of Somalia has operated a parallel administration since 1991 and remains outside international recognition, even as there have been deliberate efforts to reconcile the region with Mogadishu. The episode comes as the international community signals renewed interest in Somalia’s broader unity.

Supporters of the former president staged protests across North Western State of Somalia, condemning what they called a disgraceful act targeting a former head of state. There was no immediate response from the government on the incident or the demonstrations.

Analysts characterized the decision to block Bihi’s airport access as a needless and provocative affront that risks deepening political tensions. Several described the action as senseless and serving no constructive purpose.

In a development linked to the airport standoff, a newly formed rebel group announced its emergence, accusing the administration of fueling tensions and stoking instability. In its statement, the group said it had mobilized in response to what it called the dehumanizing and degrading treatment of the former president.

The rebels alleged Bihi was “violently attacked” as he tried to enter the Hargeisa airport for his UAE trip. They said he was publicly humiliated, manhandled and compelled to walk nearly a kilometre to the terminal—actions they argue reflect escalating repression against their community. The claims were presented as part of the group’s justification for organizing.

The confrontation adds pressure to an already fragile political landscape as North Western State of Somalia navigates a sensitive post-election period. With protests spreading and a new armed faction declaring itself, the lack of an immediate government response has left a vacuum that opponents have used to rally support.

Key developments so far:

• Former president Muse Bihi barred from entering Hargeisa airport and forced to walk to the terminal before boarding a flight to the UAE.
• Supporters launched protests across North Western State of Somalia condemning the incident as a disgrace.
• No immediate comment from President Irro’s administration.
• Analysts describe the move as a deliberate humiliation likely to inflame tensions.
• A newly formed rebel group emerged, citing the airport incident as the trigger for mobilization.
• The episode unfolds amid international focus on Somalia’s unity and ongoing efforts at reconciliation with Mogadishu.

The airport confrontation has quickly become a test for Irro’s administration and North Western State of Somalia’s political stability. As supporters demand accountability and a nascent rebel faction asserts itself, the region’s leadership faces urgent calls to defuse tensions before they take deeper root.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.