Somaliland’s intelligence agency has launched an investigation into armed supporters of the ruling Kulmiye party, who allegedly intimidated people with pistols and guns during a rally in Hargeisa on Monday night.
The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) reported that the men also fired live ammunition in a Hargeisa neighbourhood, causing public alarm during the gathering.
“The thugs carry guns and ammunition that caused chaos and endangered the public during the Kulmiye political rally yesterday evening/last night are being tracked and will be arrested soon. If anyone has additional information, please contact us. 9000,” the NIA posted on Twitter.
Wadani party officials, in response, urged security agencies to address the violent groups, warning that such incidents could threaten stability ahead of the November elections.
The first round of Somaliland’s election campaign concluded on Monday, with the Kulmiye party showing strong public support. The second round of campaigning began on Tuesday.
The display of armed supporters during campaign activities is unprecedented in Somaliland, raising concerns over potential escalations as election day approaches.
Somalilandreporter.com had on Monday reported on security concerns in the campaigns following cases of emerging armed vigilante groups ostensibly backed by the Kulmiye party.
Videos and photos of Kulmiye supporters brandishing guns and threatening member of the opposition have been displayed on social media but no action has been taken by government officers.
It is emerging that the armed civilian groupings are associated with members of the first family and have reportedly been acting on behalf of high-ranking government officials and Muse Bihi’s close family. These groups are known to have operation houses around the city, and some members are allegedly connected to the intelligence agency or members of the agency, raising further concerns about state complicity in orchestrating or permitting such activities.
A case in point was recently when one of the armed groupings fired bullets on the streets but while security forces tried to repulse them, the president’s radio advised them to ignore the group.
A police commander who recently alluded that the armed group is linked to President Muse Bihi’s son has since been arrested. The commander, Keyse Suudi, a top police officer at the Iftin Station is currently under arrest in the Officers Club as confirmed by top officials today.
Videos of these armed vigilante groups were posted on social media, showing them openly brandishing weapons, chanting, and issuing threats with their faces clearly visible. This unhidden identity and social media documentation suggest a perception of possible tolerance or tacit approval from the government.
These incidents indicate a rise in pre-election violence, which poses significant risks to public safety, threatens the democratic process and jeopardizes stability in key districts in the capital city of Hargeisa. These actions are deliberate attempts to intimidate opposition supporters and influence the electoral atmosphere.
