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introduced a significant shift in how governmental arrivals and departures are managed in the country.
President of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirahaman Mahamed Abdilahi (Ciiro), has introduced a significant shift in how governmental arrivals and departures are managed in the country. For the past three decades, the custom involved mobilizing thousands of enthusiastic supporters to welcome the president at the airport, transforming the surrounding area into a bustling sea of crowds and celebrations. This often led to the closure of main streets and substantial security measures, creating an atmosphere of spectacle that overshadowed the president’s return.
In a bold move, the newly elected president has decided to break away from this long-standing tradition. He has issued clear instructions to his administration to refrain from organizing large welcome gatherings at the airport and to keep main thoroughfares open during his arrivals. Instead, Mr. Ciiro emphasizes a more humble approach, choosing to arrive at the airport incognito, blending in with ordinary citizens, and proceeding directly to his office without fanfare.
This decision signals a remarkable transformation in governance and leadership style, reflecting a conscious effort to move away from the ostentatious practices of the past, often associated with authoritarian regimes. We congratulate President Ciiro for taking this decisive step towards progress and modernization. By prioritizing the establishment of genuine connections with his people, he is making himself more accessible and relatable, rather than maintaining the distance often created by heavy security and elaborate ceremonies. Such an approach demonstrates his commitment to empowering a government that is approachable and grounded in the realities of everyday life, thereby paving the way for a more inclusive and citizen-centered administration.
This move by President Ciiro is a notable departure from the political culture that has dominated Somaliland for decades. By eliminating the grand spectacles traditionally associated with his arrivals, he is not only redefining leadership optics but also sending a strong message about efficiency, accessibility, and governance focused on substance rather than symbolism.
However, this shift will likely generate mixed reactions. Supporters of the old tradition may view it as a loss of national pride and enthusiasm, while others will see it as a pragmatic step toward a more functional government. A key question is whether this change will extend beyond ceremonial gestures and translate into tangible policy reforms that address pressing national issues.
All in all:
President Ciiro’s bold policy initiative represents a significant shift toward a more people-centered approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of responsiveness to citizens’ needs. This strategy not only aims to enhance efficiency in governmental operations but also seeks to improve accessibility to public services and modernize outdated systems. By prioritizing initiatives that promotes transparency and citizen engagement, the administration signals a crucial commitment to reform. However, the long-term success of this policy will depend on whether it catalyzes broader governance reforms, such as institutional accountability and participatory decision-making, or whether it ultimately becomes just a symbolic gesture without substantive changes.
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Engineer, Abdi Ali Barkhad
Independent Political Analyst
Hargeisa, Somaliland
tra50526@gmail.com
February 15, 2025