HARGEISA (SD)The City Council of Hargeisa has voted to remove Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge and his deputy, Khadar Ahmed Omar, following an emergency session held on Tuesday.

Council members approved the dismissal after a motion was submitted accusing the two officials of administrative failures, poor management practices, and shortcomings in handling municipal affairs.

During the special session, a majority of council members voted in favour of removing the mayor and deputy mayor from office, officially ending their leadership of Somaliland’s capital.

Abdikarim Mooge and Khadar Ahmed Omar were elected to their positions on June 17, 2021, after leaving the opposition parties Waddani and UCID, which had previously formed a political alliance.

Reports indicate that Abdikarim Mooge had for a long time hinted at the possibility of resigning from his position, though the city council moved ahead with the dismissal before any formal resignation announcement was made.

Following the vote, the Hargeisa City Council elected new leadership to oversee the administration of the capital for the next two years.

Cabdirisaaq Maxamed Faarax, widely known as “Wiiwaa,” was elected as the new mayor, while Aadan Jaamac Xaddi, known as “Mideeye,” was elected deputy mayor.

The removal of Abdikarim Mooge marks a significant political development in Somaliland, particularly given his popularity among sections of the public and his reputation for promoting visible urban reforms and civic engagement in Hargeisa.

The council’s decision appears to reflect growing political and administrative tensions within the city leadership, as well as shifting alliances inside the municipal council. Although official accusations focused on governance and management issues, the move is also likely tied to broader political calculations ahead of Somaliland’s evolving political landscape.

The swift election of new leadership suggests that council members wanted to ensure continuity in city administration and avoid a prolonged power vacuum in the capital.

The departure of Mooge could generate mixed reactions among residents, with supporters possibly viewing the dismissal as politically motivated, while critics may argue that administrative changes were necessary. The performance of the newly elected mayor and deputy mayor will likely face close scrutiny as they assume control of Somaliland’s most important city.