Muse Bihi raises constitutional challenge over Israel deal

Former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has stepped up pressure on the current administration led by Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro,” calling for the disclosure of any understandings or agreements that led to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. He warned that continued ambiguity fuels speculation and places the government under a domestic test of transparency over what he described as a highly sensitive issue.

In a widely circulated video message, Bihi said the authorities are obligated to clarify what was agreed upon with Israel. He noted that the public and political actors have yet to receive a clear briefing on the substance of the arrangements that preceded the recognition, or whether additional understandings exist beyond the publicly announced diplomatic framework. Bihi went further by framing his demand as a “constitutional matter,” asserting that Somaliland’s “constitution does not permit actions that contradict Islamic principles or cause harm to Muslims,” an apparent reference to the situation of Palestinians under Israeli occupation.

The debate comes as Hargeisa seeks to translate Israel’s recognition, announced in late December 2025, into political and economic gains after more than three decades of pursuing broad international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. While the current leadership views the recognition as a potential gateway to investment and partnerships, critics are questioning what, if anything, was offered in return and why the details were not sufficiently presented to the public and political institutions.

Israel’s recognition marked a turning point for Somaliland, followed by accelerated diplomatic engagement. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Hargeisa in early January 2026, the first visit of its kind by an Israeli official of that level since the announcement. According to available information, the talks covered overall bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation across various sectors, and it was confirmed that Somaliland’s president received an invitation to visit Israel.

However, the recognition and subsequent exchanges have drawn regional and international reactions. Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu described the move as “a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” announcing plans to pursue diplomatic and legal measures against any process affecting Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. Several regional states and organizations also voiced opposition, warning that the recognition could set a precedent that destabilizes the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

For its part, Hargeisa has sought to frame the recognition as the beginning of a partnership rather than a symbolic political gesture. The current leadership has spoken of expectations to conclude a trade partnership agreement with Israel and has expressed readiness to present investment opportunities in minerals, energy, marine resources, and livestock, while seeking to benefit from Israeli technology and expertise. At the same time, officials have repeatedly denied that the establishment of Israeli military bases was discussed and have previously rejected claims of arrangements to resettle Palestinians from Gaza.

Despite official denials of some of the more controversial scenarios, the absence of publicly released documents or detailed briefings, Bihi argues, leaves room for conflicting interpretations and risks deepening internal divisions. Observers say Bihi is also placing the issue within a broader foreign policy context, warning that escalating tensions around Somaliland could push the territory into new alignments and heighten rivalries among competing actors in the Horn of Africa.

Bihi’s position carries added weight not only because he is a former president, but also because he remains an influential political figure within a complex domestic landscape. His remarks appear aimed at both the government and the public. Analysts view the pressure as part of an internal political struggle over how to manage what has long been seen as Somaliland’s long-sought “moment of recognition,” and how to capitalize on it without losing public support or incurring regional costs beyond its capacity to manage.

So far, no single, comprehensive account has been presented to the public outlining the scope and limits of the understanding with Israel, whether it amounts solely to mutual recognition or includes undisclosed economic and security arrangements. This question may leave the current administration facing two difficult options: greater transparency to ease controversy, or continued reliance on limited disclosures, with the attendant risk of prolonged debate and rising political costs at a time when Hargeisa is seeking to broaden its international recognition.