Hargeisa (SD) – The president of Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi has reportedly canceled a planned trip to the eastern regions of the country, according to sources close to the presidency.

The president was reportedly advised by ministers from eastern Burao not to go to those regions as there is anger due to the presidents move in blocking locally owned business and that the president should resolve the issues before his trip.

The source added that there are plans for president Bihi to lift the blockade on Airarabia and Flydubia as a result of that pressure.

Eastern Togdhere was once a Kulmiye party stronghold, but the base seems to be disappointed with president Bihi’s Hargeisa centered policies and his refusal to hand party leadership back to Burao wing of the Kulmiye coalition.

If President Bihi opts to follow his ministers from Burao’s advice, that then signals a change in direction from the president, who seemed reluctant in addressing previous public concerns.