Hargeisa Mayor Moge’s Shift Towards Wadani Party Support

In 2021, Mr. Moge ran for office not only as a representative of the Wadani party but as a leader seeking to unify all communities and political supporters in Hargeisa. His campaign successfully garnered more than 26,000 votes, demonstrating the wide-ranging support he received from citizens of different political, tribal, and social backgrounds. His ability to appeal to a diverse voter base suggests that he was seen as a leader for all, not just a partisan figure. His platform during the election focused on inclusivity, promising to prioritize citywide improvements and development that would benefit the entire population, rather than catering to specific political or tribal interests. By doing so, he positioned himself as a unifying figure, which was crucial in a city as diverse as Hargeisa.

Achievements as Mayor

During his tenure, Mr. Moge has made significant strides in improving the overall infrastructure and quality of life in Hargeisa. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Infrastructure Improvements: Moge prioritized enhancing roads, public spaces, and sanitation systems, which improved citizens’ daily lives and made the city more functional and aesthetically appealing. Better roads and infrastructure also contributed to the city’s economic growth by facilitating trade and transport.

Public Services: His administration focused on improving essential services such as water supply, waste management, and urban cleanliness. These initiatives not only raised the standard of living but also contributed to public health and the environment.

Beautification Projects: One of Moge’s key achievements has been beautifying Hargeisa, which not only improved the city’s visual appeal but also attracted business investment, tourism, and civic pride. Public parks, recreational spaces, traffic lights and new green areas were established to offer citizens a better urban experience.

Shift Towards Wadani Party Support

Despite these successes, Mr. Moge’s recent public show of support for the Wadani party has raised eyebrows. As a council member elected on a Wadani ticket, it’s natural for him to have loyalty to his party. However, in his role as mayor, which is a civic position that transcends party politics, his actions are expected to remain neutral to serve the interests of all citizens, not just those who support Wadani. While it is entirely within his rights to support the party that originally helped him get elected, the mayor must balance this loyalty with his responsibility to represent all the people of Hargeisa. Moving too closely to partisan politics can potentially

Alienate Non-Wadani Supporters: The 26,000 people who voted for him did so because they believed he would act in their best interests regardless of their party affiliation. By aligning himself too openly with Wadani, some may feel he is neglecting the broader, multi-party support that helped him win office.

Undermine His Unifying Image: Moge campaigned as a unifier, focused on development and progress for all. By publicly showing support for one party, especially in a politically polarized environment, he risks being seen as a partisan figure. This shift could lead to political and social divisions in the city.

Effect on Future Elections: Moge’s future political aspirations could be impacted if voters feel he has shifted from the inclusive vision he originally presented. Those who initially supported him for his unifying approach may reconsider their support if they feel he is more interested in party politics than city governance.

The Role of Mayoral Neutrality

Mayors, unlike national politicians, often have to maintain a delicate balance between their political affiliations and their responsibilities to the entire city. As the mayor of Hargeisa, Mr. Moge is expected to:

Remain Neutral in Governance: He should govern in a way that reflects the interests of all citizens, not just one political faction.

Promote Civic Unity: His leadership should promote unity among Hargeisa’s diverse communities, avoiding policies that could exacerbate political, social, or tribal divisions.

Focus on Development: His primary role should remain in improving the city’s infrastructure, services, and quality of life rather than engaging in political manoeuvring.

If Mr Moge’s actions are perceived as overly partisan, the public trust could have consequences, particularly among non-Wadani supporters who previously believed in his vision for a united, prosperous Hargeisa. His continued success will depend on how well he can balance his political affiliations with his mayoral duties.

In summary, while Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Moge has the right to support the Wadani party, his position as mayor demands a certain degree of neutrality and inclusivity. His achievements thus far have positively impacted Hargeisa’s development, but his recent political alignment could risk alienating some of his original supporters. To maintain his unifying image, he must continue to focus on serving all of Hargeisa’s citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, and keep partisan politics out of his public service role.

Writen by Eng. Abdi Ali Barkhad. first published this article on Araweelo News Network.Eng. Barkhad a Independent Political Analyst, who is a writer and industrial engineer, who comments on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations, and has published many articles on the Araweelo News Network. as well as well-crafted articles analyzing current policies Horn of Africa region. and is a great supporter of the cause of the Republic of Somaliland.

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